A MAN who claimed to have no recollection he was driving his car when he was stopped by police was “acting like an automaton”, a court has heard.

Ralph Nappi, 56, was stopped by police on the A259 in Peacehaven on November 22, and following a routine check was found to be driving while disqualified and without insurance.

However, the court heard that this was a “most unusual case” as Mr Nappi, a chronic diabetic, claimed not to know he was driving the car that day due to the effect of medication “and, in effect, was acting like an automaton”, his legal representative told the court.

Nappi, of Lockwood Crescent, Brighton, was banned from driving for six months after pleading guilty at Brighton Magistrates Court on March 10. He was also fined £120, and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £34 victim surcharge.

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