Model's suspended sentence for flouting driving ban
A MODEL from Bognor Regis escaped being sent to prison for flouting a driving ban imposed after she was involved in a fatal car crash.
Lauren Coppen (22) of Kilwich Close, received an eight-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months, after she admitted getting behind the wheel of a Citroen C3 just months into a six-month driving ban.
The mother-of-one was given the ban in April this year after being convicted of driving without due care and attention after she was involved in a crash with a motorcycle in March last year.
The motorcyclist, Jason Harding (19) from Eastergate, died as a result of the collision in Walberton.
Chichester Magistrates' Court heard on Tuesday how Coppen was spotted driving again at 8am on July 23 by police officers, who followed her from her home to Yapton Road in Chichester.
Coppen also pleaded guilty to having no insurance.
Sharon Waggett (defending) said Coppen relied on the car twice a week to get to work and was given the vehicle by her grandparents as a present.
Magistrates sentenced Coppen to 100 hours of community service and imposed a new 12-month driving ban.
"I think this court is very disturbed by what has been heard. This is a repayment to the community for driving while you were disqualified from doing so," said the magistrates.
Magistrates warned Coppen if she continues to disregard the ban she would be imprisoned.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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