A domestic abuser has been jailed for carrying out two banned driving offences within weeks of receiving a suspended sentence.
In July, Reece Marrin was given a 21 month prison sentence, suspended for two years for "serious domestic abuse" and driving whilst disqualified. But less than a week after being sentenced, Marrin was caught behind the wheel and was arrested before being released on bail. Undeterred, the 26-year-old was once again found in the driver's seat of a vehicle weeks later.
Marrin, of Hexham Avenue, Deneside, Seaham, appeared at Durham Crown Court on Thursday to be sentenced for driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance. He had pleaded guilty to the offences, with the court hearing he had committed four driving whilst disqualified offences this year alone.
Read more: Stanley dad threatened to stab man in throat and 'lunged' at him with 12-inch knife
Anthony Pettengell, prosecuting, said Marrin was given a suspended prison sentence on July 12 this year for offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, and driving whilst disqualified. He told the court Marrin had grabbed his ex-partner by the throat and "pinned her to the bed" before "choking" her. He added Marrin followed the woman down the stairs before "lifting her from the feet and throwing her to the floor".
Despite being on a suspended sentence, Marrin, who had three previous convictions for eight offences, was caught behind the wheel of a car only six days later on July 18. Mr Pettengell said: "The defendant was stopped on the A1231 at Washington and confirmed he was disqualified and had no insurance. Then, on August 8, while on bail, the defendant was in the same vehicle and stopped on Exeter Avenue in Seaham. He admitted the offences. In interview he said the vehicle was his step-dad's and that he had permission to drive it."
Sarah Hopkinson, defending, said Marrin "accepted wrongdoing as soon as he could on both occasions" and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, saying: "His regret for his behaviour is clear." Ms Hopkinson added that Marrin was a carer for his great-grandad and said he had been offered employment at a Greggs warehouse.
Judge James Adkin activated 14 months of Marrin's suspended sentence and banned him from driving for 19 months.
Read next:
Bishop Auckland teen led police on chase in mum's pick-up truck after trip to McDonald's
Shildon man 'latched on' to partner's chin in 'barbaric' biting attack after tripping over
Newcastle Noughty 90s festival goer said serrated knife found in backpack was for 'protection'
Nestlé worker sustained serious injury after getting arm caught in Rolo machine at Fawdon factory
Drunken reveller hurled abuse at police after being kicked out of Newcastle bar
