A driver ran away from police who caught him behind the wheel without a licence, and found himself in the dock hours later.

Steven Lee Barham, of Bunkers Hill, Milford Haven, appeared from custody at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, July 3, after being arrested by police that morning.

He pleaded guilty to driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and without insurance in Milford Haven earlier that day.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, told the court that Barham, 36, was spotted driving by officers who knew he did not have a licence, as he had recently finished a period of disqualification.

Police followed Barham as he drove at speed in to a car park, and chased him as he ran off. He was apprehended by the officers and taken into custody.

Katy Hanson, defending, told the bench that Barham’s disqualification ended on May 7, and he had sent away for his licence.

“He got a bit over excited and drove before it was back in his hand. Before he got it back he was unable to get insurance.

“He knows it was wrong and apologises for that.”

Magistrates banned Barham from driving for a further six months, fined him a total of £160 and imposed six penalty points on his licence.

He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £30 surcharge.

The chairman of the bench said: “You must get your act together and sort things out, and do not treat the law with disrespect.”