A GAMBLER turned pub boss who got behind the wheel whilst banned has kept his freedom.

Burnley Magistrates had been told how Mark Anthony Earle, 31, claimed he did not know he had been disqualified and the bench told him he deserved a good deal of credit for trying to work out his life and be responsible.

Earle, of Coal Clough House, Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, was given 100 hours community punishment, banned for six months and must pay £55 costs.He admitted driving whilst disqualified, not having insurance and not having a test certificate, on August 17.

The court was told police who stopped the defendant knew he was a disqualified driver, but he told them: "I am not banned."

Richard Taylor, defending, said Earle had not been in court when he was ordered off the road as he was on a brewery course. He did not receive any notification but should have made enquiries to find out what had gone on.

The defendant had had significant dificulties in the past and had been addicted to gambling. He had pulled himself up by his boot straps after being somebody who buried his head in the sand in the hope problems would go away.

Earle had attended Gamblers' Anonymous and says it was the best thing he could have done as he thought he had been the only person in the world who had been suffering the addiction.

He had now done well for himself and was something of a success story. Earle was the manager of Coal Clough House and had a family.

Mr Taylor went on: "All these things are important to show he is growing up and must face up to the responsibilities and realities of life."