A PENSIONER who flouted a road ban was caught by police after she drove off a ferry from France, Pennine magistrates heard.

Former riding instructor Susan Marie Tomlinson, 69, had been at the wheel of her Vauxhall Astra estate on the continent.

A disqualification applies only in the UK but officers swooped when she returned from her travels, sailed into Portsmouth and landed back on British soil, on July 14.

Tomlinson had been ordered not to drive in this country for six months in May – just two months before – for having no insurance.

She was also in beach of two conditional discharges imposed at the same time, the court was told.

The defendant, of Cross Street West, Colne, had earlier admitted driving while disqualified on George Byng Way, Portsmouth, and no insurance. She was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for a year and must attend the Lancashire Women's Specified Activity Requirement.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said at 10.25pm, police were called to the ferry port and spoke to officers there. They were told the Astra had just returned from France and the owner was identified as Tomlinson, who was sitting in the driver's seat. Checks had revealed she was banned and had no insurance.

Her vehicle was seized. Scott Parker, for Tomlinson, said that she co-operated and was extremely apologetic.