A MAN with seven previous convictions for disqualified driving was jailed for 12 weeks by Blackburn magistrates after pleading guilty to his eighth similar offence.

The court heard that Peter Jeffrey Sides, 30, had changed since getting involved with a Blackburn girl who was expecting their third child.

But the magistrates said there could be no alternative to an immediate custodial sentence, given his previous record.

Sides, of St Mary's Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, an offence for which he had four convictions in 1999.

Clare Knight, defending, said all Sides's previous offending had been committed in the Manchester area.

"He moved to Blackburn and his current partner has been a good influence on him," said Miss Knight.

"They have two children, aged one and two and their third is due in June.

" His partner is not at all happy that he is appearing in court and she has indicated that if he is sent to prison, leaving her with the children, she will have no alternative but to leave him."

She said Sides worked as a security guard and his family was dependent on the money he earned.