Driver Claimed to Be Brother in “Despicable” Police Deception

A disqualified driver tried to dodge punishment by impersonating his own brother when stopped by police in Port Talbot. 🚔

Mathew Pointer, 37, of Cilfrew, Neath, was pulled over last April despite already serving a driving ban. In what Judge Paul Thomas KC called a “fairly pathetic attempt to avoid the consequences,” Pointer provided officers with his brother’s name instead of his own.

The court heard this was Pointer’s fifth time being caught driving whilst disqualified, significantly worsening his position before the court.

“You put forward the name of your own brother. It was a despicable thing to do to anyone, let alone your own flesh and blood,” said Judge Thomas during sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday.

“You think the law relating to driving doesn’t seem to apply to you. You ignore it and deal with the consequences. Your record is a very bad one and it sets a very bad example.”

Pointer admitted charges of perverting the course of justice, driving whilst disqualified, driving with no insurance, and using a vehicle without a valid test certificate.

He received a nine-month prison sentence, of which he must serve half before release. Additionally, he was handed a new two-year driving ban that will commence after his release from custody. 📋