Driver given police warning for wearing bin Laden mask

A WINDOW CLEANER has been given a police warning after they caught him driving while wearing an Osama bin Laden mask.

Police warned Stephen Taylor that they will seize his Nissan Micra if he does it again.

The 54-year-old from Wakefield was issued with a warning notice for driving in an anti-social manner.

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He was told that driving with a bin Laden mask could be considered dangerous and could also cause alarm or distress to someone.

Mr Taylor said he put the mask on to diffuse a roadside argument among teenagers.

He was shocked at the police response to the mask.

"I think the police have gone over the top and people who may dress up this Christmas need to be warned."

He had stopped at traffic lights and put the mask on to raise a laugh among arguing teenagers.

He then drove off, still wearing the mask.

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But police spotted him and handed out the warning at his home on Sunday.

Police warned him that they could seize his car if he commits another motoring offence, including wearing the mask, within the next year.

A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police confirmed that a warning advice notice had been issued in relation to a man's behaviour on a public highway.

She said the mask could restrict a driver's vision and also cause alarm.