A BANNED Kendal driver failed to disclose motoring convictions while making an online insurance application.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how 28-year-old Adam Christian Butterfield’s offending came to light last October when he was arrested in relation to other matters.

It transpired that Butterfield had failed to disclose previous convictions and a driving ban when making an online application for insurance to Admiral.

Sarah Wait, prosecuting, said of Butterfield’s response: “He said he didn’t know it was an offence not to do so.”

However, Butterfield, of Sedbergh Road, Kendal, admitted one charge of making a false statement to obtain insurance when he appeared in court on Monday.

Rob Wyn Jones, defending, said Butterfield was on an enhanced rate of disability benefit, and lived at home with his family.

“His father takes care of his finances, such are his difficulties,” said Mr Wyn Jones when asked about existing court fines being paid by the defendant at a rate of £5 per week.

Recorder Nicholas Clarke noted Butterfield had 34 previous crimes on his record, and had “motoring offences coming out of his ears”.

He imposed a one-year community order comprising 80 hours’ unpaid work. He also ordered £200 court costs to be paid off at an additional £2 a week.

“You have a lot of experience with the criminal justice system,” Recorder Clarke told him. “You couldn’t complain if you were sent to custody today.

“You deliberately failed to report all of your convictions.”

Recorder Clarke was told Butterfield’s previously imposed driving ban had since expired. “It does, however, mean you have this additional conviction. Before you can drive lawfully and obtain insurance you must bear in mind you will have to declare all your convictions.

“That will obviously severely prejudice your ability to get insurance. It may mean you cannot legitimately - that is lawfully - drive for the foreseeable future,” said the judge. "You have been dealt with very leniently. Be very cautious about how you approach your future. Next time you may find yourself going immediately to custody.”