A DRIVER has avoided disqualification after being caught without insurance as it was ‘an accident’.

Valentin Paval, of The Homestead, Kidlington, was caught on the A34 on February 13 last year without third-party insurance.

The 51-year-old was stopped by police near North Abingdon and was charged.

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At Buckinghamshire Magistrates on January 17, Paval pleaded guilty and was fined £175.

However, he avoided disqualification due to the offence being an ‘accident’ and his job being at risk if he could not drive.

Public transport was deemed ‘out of the question’ due to the destination requiring multiple buses.

Instead, he was also ordered to pay court costs of £90 and a victim surcharge of £70.

His driving record was also endorsed with six penalty points.