Serial Offender Caught Driving on Fake Plates in East Sussex
Warren Valerio, 51, was nabbed by East Brighton officers on November 17 after they spotted his black Volvo cruising with false number plates near Falmer.
Driver Tried to Bluff Cops but Failed
PC Kevin Stephenson revealed the driver tried to dodge ID checks by handing over false details and claiming he had no documents. But officers found the Volvo’s genuine plates hiding in the boot and arrested Valerio for fraud by false representation.
Long History of Driving Offences
- Valerio, from Southlands Road, Eastbourne, only has a provisional licence.
- In 2007, he received a 10-year driving ban and was ordered to pass an extended retest to regain full driving rights.
- Since then, he’s been caught driving while disqualified — an astonishing 18 times — without taking the required test.
Six Months Behind Bars and More Bans
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on November 18, Valerio pleaded guilty to:
- Driving while disqualified
- Obstructing a police officer
- Driving without insurance or a valid licence
- Driving without an MOT certificate
- Fraud by false representation
He was sentenced to six months in jail, slapped with a £128 surcharge, and hit with another two-and-a-half-year driving ban.
Police Warn of Risks from Rogue Drivers
“Valerio has been repeatedly caught for driving while disqualified, and only holds a provisional driving licence,” PC Stephenson said. “Collisions involving unlicenced and uninsured drivers push up insurance costs for everyone. Vehicles without valid MOT certificates also endanger all road users and the public.”
“This court result shows our commitment to keeping Sussex’s roads safe and takes a dangerous driver off them for good.”
