A DRINK driver was banned from the road and handed 200 hours community service by Blackburn magistrates.
Mark Anthony Leek, 39, of Scotland Bank Terrace, pleaded guilty to two charges of driving while disqualified and without insurance, and driving with excess alcohol. He was banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay £100 costs.
Leek, who gave a reading of 48, agreed to be referred to the drink drive rehabilitation programme which, if completed successfully, would reduce his ban by up to 25 per cent.
Michael Blacklidge, defending, said there had been considerable confusion over the conviction that led to Leek's disqualification which at one stage had been subject to an appeal.
"This was a clumsy but not deliberate disregard of court orders," said Mr Blacklidge, who revealed that on the first occasion he was stopped Leek was released without charge because even the police weren't sure if he was banned or not.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article