Gary Philpott Picture Ref: 77156-344A NOTORIOUS drink-driver with 28 previous motoring convictions was caught driving while banned just eight months after leaving prison for the same offence.

Police have dubbed Gary Philpott a menace who is oblivious to the dangers of driving while disqualified.

But this time after being caught driving while banned, Philpott escaped a prison sentence after magistrates heard how he looks after his elderly mother.

Car enthusiast Philpott, 45, of Bunce Road, Stratton St. Margaret was caught driving while disqualified for the 24th time on March 28 after police spotted him driving with his brother.

He was less than 10 months into a three-year driving ban, which he was handed in May last year after being caught drink-driving.

In May he was also jailed for six months for driving while disqualified and drink driving and served half his sentence.

Swindon Magistrates' Court heard this week how Philpott had five previous convictions for drink driving and 23 for driving while disqualified, dating back to 1978.

When police stopped him in March they found drug paraphernalia in the car and a subsequent search of his home uncovered a small quantity of amphetamines and cannabis.

Defending Rob Ross told the court that prison was not the solution to stopping Philpott offend.

He said: "It's a truism that some people go on offending if we don't address the reasons for their offending."

He also claimed that if Philpott was put behind bars his mother would be the biggest victim.

"He acts as a carer for his mother," he said. "He looks after her, simple as that. The main victim if you send him to prison is his mother.

"Gary Philpott is an intelligent man. He obviously has some decent qualities otherwise he wouldn't look after his mother."

Philpott does not work as he is a full-time carer for his mum but he does make money by buying cars and fixing them up, the court heard.

Chairman of the bench, Norman Ames, said Philpott was lucky not to be behind bars.

He told him: "With a record like yours of driving while disqualified custody is almost inevitable.

"We have noted however that you have spent a number of periods in custody and not responded to these."

Handing him a two-year community punishment and rehabilitation order Mr Ames said: "It is important for the community that you respond to this."

Philpott was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service in the next 12 months and to attend a Think First programme for the charges of driving while disqualified and possession of the amphetamines.

There was no separate penalty for the charges of driving without insurance and possession of cannabis but he must pay £75 in costs.

Speaking after the hearing, Swindon police spokeswoman, Alvina Kumar, said: "This man is a menace and clearly oblivious to the dangers of driving while disqualified and without insurance.

"His repeated actions demonstrate that he has no respect for the law and other road users."

And Luke Bosted, from the road safety department of motoring organisation the AA, said: "People who have a total disregard for motoring laws and the safety of other road users are simply habitual criminals and must be dealt with severely."

Gareth Bethell