Banned drivers continued to rack up convictions

File Photo / NZ Herald

Two Christchurch men who between them have a staggering 47 convictions for driving while serving driving bans appeared at court this morning (Thursday).

Frank Stubbings, 45, faces a charge of driving while disqualified for a 24th time and was warned by a judge today that jail was "beyond an inevitability".

The Bryndwr caregiver was bailed by a judge at Christchurch District Court despite fears by police that he will reoffend.

Police prosecutor Stephen Burdes said there was a "public safety issue" in letting Stubbings go, considering his horrendous record which includes offending while on bail.

Judge Paul Kellar said he was satisfied Stubbings was not a flight risk and remanded him on bail until later this month "by the narrowest of margins".

But he added that he was almost certainly going to be jailed if convicted for his 24th driving while disqualified charge.

The judge expressed surprise that Stubbings received only community work for his 22nd and 23rd convictions.

Earlier today, at the makeshift district court at Nga Hau e Wha marae in eastern Christchurch, another recidivist disqualified driver was granted a registrar's remand.

Shaun Lawrence, 30, outdid even Stubbings, despite his younger years, by being charged with driving while disqualified for a remarkable 25th time.

Lawrence was caught in a police checkpoint in Curletts Rd last Thursday.

He tried to avoid detection, police say, by giving his brother's details.

But when officers found his true identity, which revealed his criminal convictions, they were stunned.

"Some people never learn," said Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Richardson, who added Lawrence was jailed for 14 months last time he was caught in 2008.

"I've heard of drivers with 15 convictions but never anything like this."

Lawrence, of Hoon Hay, will be back in court on September 27 to face charges of driving while disqualified and providing false details.