A FATHER who drove his car without insurance has escaped a driving ban because he has to look after his poorly one-year-old.

Edward Dutton, 68, appeared before Southend Magistrates’ Court earlier this month to admit driving his Vauxhall Astra in Clarks Street, Harwich, without insurance.

But magistrates decided against revoking his licence because of a series of mitigating circumstances.

The court heard Dutton, of Dovercourt Holiday Park, is the sole carer for his one-year-old, who was born prematurely and is vulnerable.

The infant has a heart condition which requires ongoing treatment, and there are ongoing care proceedings for the child which mean he has to be taken to various appointments with social services.

Dutton often has to take the child to hospital appointments in Colchester and Cambridge, the court heard.

Though the defendant could use public transport to attend the appointments, it was accepted the impact on the child would cause exceptional hardship due to his poor health.

Magistrates were also told Dutton has no pension or other income, with a portion of his financial support coming from social services.

Dutton was ordered to pay a £133 fine and costs of £54.

His driving licence was endorsed with six points.