A woman who was caught behind the wheel two months after she had been disqualified from driving was blasted for showing 'total disregard' to the law.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard between the ban and the latest conviction Aarifa Vanjaria had picked up two speeding tickets but had not been prosecuted for driving while disqualified on either occasion.

Vanjaria, 28, of Walter Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance.

She was made subject to a 12-month community order with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and warned if she drives again she could go to prison.

She was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge, and banned from driving again, this time for 15 months.

The chair of the magistrates' bench said the offence before the court and the speeding convictions showed the defendant paid no attention to the disqualification.

“On this occasion, you were going to a nearby shop which shows a complete disregard for the order of the court,” said the chair.

“If you drive within the next 15 months the likelihood is that you will serve a custodial sentence.”

Susheela Regala, prosecuting, said Vanjaria was stopped in Canterbury Street, Blackburn, by police on June 14 after her car, a Volkswagen Golf, was flagged up as being uninsured.

“She told the officers her insurance had just run out and asked if could she drive her car and park it up,” said Miss Regala.

“A further check on the Police National Computer showed she was banned.”

Gareth Price, in mitigation, said the pre-sentence report made it clear his client had not fully appreciated the position she found herself in.

“She is in no doubt now exactly where she stands,” added Mr Price.