A MOTORIST who was stopped driving with lapsed insurance said he didn’t have any following a misunderstanding with his insurance company.

Stephen Anthony Powell, 53, was stopped driving without insurance in Bedminster, near Bristol, on April 24 last year. A check from police who stopped him showed the vehicle he was driving was uninsured and Powell reluctantly pleaded guilty to the charge when appearing at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 21.

Powell, of Woodside View, Clun, in Shropshire, told magistrates: “It was a complete surprise to me. I have a young son, I wouldn’t have driven without any insurance.”

Powell said he was stopped while on his way to see his partner who lives in Bristol.

“My insurance company have been doubling my premium every year so I rang them up and told them I’d go elsewhere,” he said. “They didn’t tell me they’d stopped the auto renewal.

“I’m a combat veteran and I struggle with PTSD, my mental health has been through the floor. I was going down to see my partner in Bristol as she was having a bit of trouble.”

Powell was handed a £120 fine and has to pay £85 costs and a £34 surcharge. He also had 6 points put on his licence.