A BANNED driver who was stopped by police told them he didn't know he was disqualified until he passed an extended re-test.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jonathon Scotting had served a six year ban and then received a communication from the DVLA about his licence.

And he claimed to have no recollection of being told he had to sit a re-test when he was sentenced in 2014.

Scotting, 37, of Mayflower Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and two charges of drug driving. He was banned for 36 months and fined £120 with £45 costs and £34 victim surcharge.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said a blood test had revealed the presence of benzoylecgonine, the metabolite of cocaine, and MDMA.

Damien Pickup, defending, said his client was sentenced in 2014 for failing to provide and the re-test requirement imposed.

"That is a very unusual sentence for the offence," said Mr Pickup. "He remembers being told he was banned for six years but not the re-test element."

Mr Pickup said Scotting had complied with the driving ban for six years and in the middle of last year received a communication from the DVLA saying he was entitled to apply for his licence.

"He paid the £90 requested and took out insurance, assuming the physical issuing of the licence was being delayed because of covid backlogs," said Mr Pickup.

He said Scotting had used cocaine the weekend before he was stopped but significantly there was none of that drug still in his system.