A taxi driver has been allowed to hang on to his licence, despite gaining 12 penalty points.

Kieran Boswell, of Portfield, Haverfordwest, appeared at Pembrokeshire magistrates court on Monday, September 17.

Boswell, 26, had previously pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, but attended the hearing to make a special reasons argument about why he should not be banned from the road.

The court heard that Boswell, who already had six points on his licence, was found to be driving a Seat Ibiza without insurance on City Road, Haverfordwest, at 9pm on May 11.

He stated he was unaware that his insurance had been cancelled on May 9, and immediately took out a new policy at the roadside.

Mike Kelleher, defending, told the court that Boswell was working as a delivery driver at the time, and was currently working as a taxi driver.

“He genuinely believed that the insurance policy was still in place.

“He is now a taxi driver, if he loses his licence he loses his job.”

Boswell told District Judge Martin Brown that he was the main breadwinner in his household, and he would struggle to pay rent if he lost his job.

Judge Brown said: “I accept that you were the victim of some misfortune in the policy being stopped, you are none-the-less responsible for making sure the vehicle is insured.”

He accepted Boswell’s exceptional hardship argument, and endorsed his licence with six points.

Boswell was fined £150 and ordered to pau £85 prosecution costs, plus a £30 surcharge.

Judge Brown added that Pembrokeshire County Council may ask to speak to Boswell, as it was unusual for a taxi driver to have 12 points on his licence.

“Twelve points will be very rare for a taxi driver to have on their licence and still be driving around.

“In keeping your licence here today, you may lose it elsewhere.”