A MAN with an extensive record for driving while disqualified was jailed for four months.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Robert Wayne Bausor, 31, of Police Street, Darwen, had 42 previous convictions for driving while banned in a 10-year period.

He was jailed for five months by Blackpool magistrates in August for three offences of driving while disqualified and dangerous driving, and the court was told there was currently a warrant outstanding in Rawtenstall for an offence of driving while banned.

Bausor pleaded guilty to driving a Vauxhall Belmont in Glenluce Crescent on Monday.

Imposing an immediate custodial sentence, the chairman of the bench said they had taken into consideration his numerous previous convictions for similar offences and the fact that he was on bail.

David Macro, prosecuting, said Bausor had a "dreadful" record for similar offences.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Bausor's wife held a full licence and on the day of the offence she had been driving them to visit friends in the Shadsworth area of Blackburn.

She kept taking a wrong turn and Bausor, who grew up in the area, eventually took over the wheel.

"As always seems to be the case with Robert Bausor, there was a police officer around and he was recognised and arrested," said Mr Blacklidge.

He said Bausor had never passed a driving test. Having started his criminal career by stealing a pedal cycle when he was a teenager, he was first convicted of driving while disqualified when he was 21.

"Unfortunately, the one thing he is good at is the repair and maintenance of cars, and almost inevitably that has landed him in trouble," said Mr Blacklidge.

"Following the dangerous driving conviction at Blackpool, he is now in the position where he has to pass a test before he can legally drive again."