A BANNED driver got behind the wheel because he was late for work on the first day of a new job, a court was told.
Burnley Magistrates heard Sheraz Bhatti, 21, who had also been speeding and was not wearing a seat belt, had now lost the job - and had also faced the possible loss of his freedom.
Bhatti escaped jail but was told they would have been justified in sending him to prison. The justices said custody would have been a "disaster," for a young man like him. The defendant, of Ivy Street, Burnley, had admitted driving while disqualified, using an uninsured vehicle and resisting or obstructing a police officer. He was given a four month curfew order to run from 8pm until 6am seven days a week.
Steven Banks, defending, said Bhatti had had few dealings with the courts. He was a very chastened young man and apologised to the court.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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