A WARRANT has been issued for a motorist who was caught driving while disqualified in Powys.

James Anthony Cassemis was due to stand trial at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court this week having originally denied the charge, as well as a second of driving without insurance, in the spa town last October.

Magistrates sitting on Wednesday, April 27, heard that Cassemis, 37, had changed his plea to guilty, but had written to the court saying he could not attend the hearing as he was in Scotland for work.

Prosecutor Stepehen Davies read out the facts of the case, saying: “It was 7.30am on October 5 last year when PC Key cited a Vauxhall Vivaro van on Temple Street, Llandrindod.

“A check showed the driver, Mr Cassemis, was disqualified. The officer spoke to the defendant and he identified himself. He said he had recently changed his name from James to Jay, and he was banned until September 22 this year.

“He had been banned from August 2021 and he was reported for the offence.”

In a letter sent to the court, Cassemis, of Crossfield Road, Barry, indicated he worked underground and was currently in Scotland. He had corresponded frequently with the court but had not provided confirmation that he was in employment that day.

Magistrates accepted his guilty plea but issued a warrant for his arrest, not backed for bail, meaning he will be brought before the court to be sentenced.