A BANNED driver who got behind the wheel the day the court order ran out should have waited until midnight.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Dale William Barrett, 32, had checked with police, who told him his ban was over, but he was later arrested.

Barrett escaped jail after the bench told him they accepted he genuinely believed he could drive after what the police told him.

Officers then chose to "review that information".

Barrett, of Curlew Gardens, Burnley, admitted driving while disqualified and not having insurance on September 4.

He was given a 12 months conditional discharge and six penalty points. Barrett was also fined £30 after admitting failing to surrender.