A KURDISH asylum seeker from Iraq was told that he must abide by the laws of the land while he is resident in this country.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Rehan Mahmood, 22, of Cherry Street, Blackburn, was caught driving a car with a bald tyre without a licence, insurance or MOT. He was fined £50 and disqualified from driving for six months.

The chairman said the magistrates appreciated his position as an asylum seeker but said that was not an excuse to break the law.

"You must abide by the laws of this country," he said.

Elliot Taylforth, defending, said Mahmood comes from a different culture where it was fair to say road traffic laws are not as tight as they are in this country.

"He knows now what is required and this is part of the learning curve," said Mr Taylforth.

"This is not a flagrant breach of the laws of this country but a simple misunderstanding."