A DRIVER was caught behind the wheel again just nine days after being banned from the road.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Craig Bennett refused to give a sample of breath to police but defence solicitor Alfred Rebello said that was not because his client had been drinking.

Bennett, 23, of Francis Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, failing to provide a specimen of breath and driving without insurance. He was remanded on bail until October 27 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Pat Bramley, prosecuting, said Bennett had a previous excess alcohol conviction in 2001 and had been banned for three years for his second similar offence on September 17. Mr Rebello said Bennett had not got round to selling his car after the last ban was imposed.

He got in the car to nip to the shop but had only driven to the end of the street when he thought better of it, said Mr Rebello. He says he only drove about 10 yards and then reversed. He had not been drinking.