TWO years have passed since a 77-year-old veteran was 'stuck' in Taunton after being told by multiple police officers that it was illegal for him to drive in the UK.
Maurice Kirk, 77 at the time, was spotted camping in a vehicle he parked up outside for days by Taunton's Tesco Superstore this time in 2023.
The former veteran, who was believed to be living in Westgate Street, Taunton at the time, claimed he would be breaking the law if he attempted to drive away from the site off Castle Street, where he has been living for "two or three days and nights".
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Maurice said his van and attached 'horse box' were "stuck" yards from the main entrance of the supermarket.
"Yes, I'm camping out of the van," Mr Kirk told the County Gazette in 2023.
"I'm here during the day and go to sleep in it at night."
Mr Kirk claimed a number of police officers pulled him over and told him it was illegal for him to drive in this country as he did not have a valid UK driving licence.
"I've got a perfectly valid French licence," he said.
"I spend most of my time in France and pop over to England to sort some things out. I could be arrested if I get into my vehicle and drive it again. In total, I've been here for two or three days and nights.
"I'm stuck - I need to get to France."
Known affectionately as The Flying Vet, Maurice has been involved in a number of adventures and narrow escapes.
Around four years ago, he walked away with only a few bumps and bruises after crashing his plane in a field at Lower Durston, near Taunton.
In 2016, Maurice sparked a major search and rescue operation after going missing while attempting to fly a 1940s plane the length of Africa and was discovered between Sudan and Ethiopia.
The now 79 year old was also arrested in the USA in 2008 after trying to land his plane at George Bush's ranch in Texas during an attempt to fly solo around the world.
The County Gazette approached Tesco for a comment at the time of this report but received no response.
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