A NEW driver has lost his licence after driving with no insurance.

Corey Leigh Barker, of Sutherland Street, Barrow, was caught by police driving his Audi A3 along Park Road, Barrow, on 31 October 2020 with no insurance.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court on Thursday where he received six points and a £419 fine.

As Barker had been handed six points within two years of passing his test, the Barrovian's licence has now been revoked.

The court heard that Barker was unaware that his insurance policy was no longer valid before he was stopped by police.

Defence solicitor Ms Gordon explained that Barker had received an earlier letter telling him that his insurance policy had been 'refunded,' but had in turn been cancelled.

Ms Gordon told the court: "For some reason there was a cancellation by the insurance company due to an issue with the black box fitted in the vehicle.

"He was sent a letter in September 2018 simply telling him he was being refunded £86 in correlation to his policy.

"Perhaps for someone more experience dealing with an insurance company it might have rung bells that it has been cancelled.

"I have read the letter and it simply says there has been a refund, they probably should have made it clearer."

The court heard that Barker now fears for his job.

He said he works night shifts for a Barrow property group and needed a car for transport.

Ms Gordon continued by stating her client had made a 'genuine mistake'.

"Mr Barker appears to the court today for the very first time and he has no previous convictions," Ms Gordon said.

"He does accept that he was driving without vehicle insurance.

"He does express extreme remorse and relies on his car for work.

"He has held his licence for 18 months so it is going to be revoked.

"When he was stopped by police he didn't realise that his insurance was no longer in place.

"It is a genuine mistake."