The judge said he could have been justified in jailing Edwards for two years on the driver licensing charges given his extensive history of similar offending.
Edwards’ situation was “arguably worse” than that of a female defendant before him, who had been jailed.
However, Edwards, who had previously never progressed beyond a learner licence he had in 2007, was to be congratulated on his recent achievement of the restricted licence and deserved to be given a “break”, Judge Couch said. He intended to “step well back” from imprisoning Edwards and was “inclined to take a very lenient view” towards him.
The judge accepted counsel Leighvi Maynard’s submissions as to why Edwards should be given a community-based sentence in lieu of the otherwise mandatory driver disqualification.
Edwards’ case first came to court in July 2021 but had since been through a succession of adjournments for him to try to get his driver’s licence.
Mr Maynard said Edwards had benefited from help from the Howard League and another agency in that task.
“And you’ve finally succeeded,” Judge Couch said.
“While it might have been a relatively straightforward task for many people, it was a major achievement for you after all these years.
“It’s in the public interest that you get recognised and encouraged not to lose the licence you’ve got at this late stage.”
Leaving the dock in good spirits, Edwards nearly spoiled the moment when he suddenly questioned whether the detention sentence imposed on him might stop him attending his son’s upcoming 21st birthday.
Judge Couch told Edwards he had done pretty well in court that day and should quit while he was ahead.
A probation officer pointed out there was nothing to stop Edwards going to the birthday as long as he was home to satisfy his curfew by 9pm.
