A notorious dangerous driver has escaped being sent to prison but has been banned from the roads once again after his latest Police pursuits in Ryde and Newport.
26-year-old Joseph Barrass – better known as Joey Baker or Jack Baker – has received a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for 2 years, after admitting a string of driving offences including dangerous driving, 3 counts of driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.
The first incident occurred on 20th July last year when officers pursued a Vauxhall Astra along Ashey Road in Ryde. The vehicle then dived up Smallbrook Lane and along High Park Road. A witness at the time described seeing a blue Astra then coming ‘sideways’ out of Somerset Road as the vehicle joined Marlborough Road. The car was soon found abandoned in nearby Amherst Mews, off Amherst Place.
On 22nd August, Barrass – who is known to use other aliases – was once again seen behind the wheel of a car whilst already serving a 43-month driving ban. Police spotted him driving a Ford Focus on Godric Road, Newport. He began to drive dangerously, an offence which he has admitted.
The Isle of Wight Crown Court also heard last week that officers spotted Joe driving a Ford Focus in Shanklin and a pursuit began towards the village of Godshill. Barrass hit one of the Police vehicles in an attempt to escape after being blocked in. He soon took to his feet having abandoned the vehicle, but he was later arrested.
Barrass, of Brickfield Close in Newport, has featured on Island Echo many times over the years for his long list of driving offences, including no less than 5 pursuits since 2018 alone. His record of driving offences goes back some 11 years.
In August 2019, Joe was sentenced to 14 months in prison and given a 3 year 7 month driving ban for a pursuit near Ryde on 4th July 2019. In August 2018, he was jailed for 11 months and banned for almost 2-and-a-half years following pursuits on 17th June 2018 and 15th July 2018.
Barrass accepts that his driving is criminal, but argues whether it is dangerous. Previously, Joe said he committed crimes to show he could do anything an able-bodied person could do having been born with just 1 arm.
Judge Melville sentenced him to a total of 16 months in prison, suspended for 2 years, and handed down a 3-year driving ban with extended re-test. Barrass must also remain at his residence between 21:00 and 06:00 for a period of 3 months, complete 30 rehabilitation days and 80 hours of unpaid work, as well as paying a £156 surcharge. He must also complete 30 rehabilitation days.
Ridiculous sentence!
Bring back town square stocks and public birching!
Wonder how long it will be before he’s caught driving again he obviously doesn’t care what the court gives him. He probably just looks at it as 1 big game
This is stupid.. people like this are a danger to everyone. Think of when lockdown ends kids are back at school and a banned driver gets another cheap motor to drive..
Why the magistrates don’t give him an actual prison sentence to be served Now, then after a couple of years confinement he might appreciate his freedom. All he is doing is making a mockery of the legal system. While he is playing chase with the Police he could actually kill someone, then what will his excuse be??
I don’t really see how handing someone a driving ban because they failed to comply with an earlier driving ban is going to be much of a deterrent.
Come where is the LAW when its needed, Next time and there Will Be A Next Time , whose he going to Kill. Think of that Magistrate.
Just lock this parasite up for good , or use him in a lab !!!
If he killed one of my kids then……you know the answer people 🙂
Some people are just born stupid.
Good to see the justice system doing it’s magic!! Suppose they’re waiting until he kills someone.
Prison just isn’t enough deterrent for these mindless ugg’s.
What’s needed is a good hiding and knee capping. Softly softly approach never works.
OK, we all agree that a suspended sentence is pointless and dangerous. But what will prison achieve – another un-reformed hard nut discharged into the community with zero prospects and only one means of survival – more crime.
There must be better ways to deal with people who won’t conform with society’s essential rules. In this case, how about compulsory attendance at serious road accidents and subsequent surgical operations?
This particular gentleman has a severe physical handicap; does he need guidance or assistance into a worthwhile job suited to his abilities?
Cue the trolls …
Oscar Pistorius has a severe physical handicap, didn’t stop him murdering someone.
Not every one that’s got zero prospect as you put it results in crime, and he would get disabled benefits
As Victor Meldrew says, “I don’t BELIEVE it!”
Probably too stupid and terrible driver to pass a test. Chop his hands off.
Clearly you didn’t read the article, tom.
Why? Banning him from the roads obviously doesn’t work. Has someone got to die before the judges take action?
Why not bring back hard labour for habitual offenders. I’m sure the police would appreciate it if criminals were actually made to pay for their crimes it might make their job more satisfying. Also, get rid of these namby pamby judges and appoint someone with backbone.
Lock him up and throw away the keys before he kills someone.
When are they going to put this piece of excrement away where he belongs or someone give him a good hiding which I would quite happily do
Probably a police grass to keep getting away with it.
This is why this country is sinking. Soft slap on the wrist for this inconsiderate benny scrounger.
Does he have to kill an innocent person before the courts do anything ?????
If he does go on to injure or kill someone, the magistrates or judge who let him stay free this time should be charged with aiding and abetting and sent to prison with him. He’s shown such a disregard for any previous punishment, it’s obvious that it won’t stop him. He’ll be driving disguised from now on. Crazy behaviour, crazy sentence.