A TOP sales rep who got behind the wheel while banned from driving, has kept her freedom.

Burnley Magistrates heard how mother of two Mandy Sanderson, 45, had been let down by her driver and had not wanted to miss a vital appointment.

Sanderson, who had earlier been warned she could go to jail, was given a 12 month community rehabilitation order and fined £250.

The defendant, of Sycamore Lodge, Long Acres Lane, Whitworth, had admitted driving while disqualified and resisting or obstructing a constable, on 29 June.

Carolyn Jones, prosecuting, said she was stopped in Burnley, and was unable to produce documents. She gave false details to police and couldn't give any identification, but a check on her company car revealed the true picture. Sanderson, who had been banned for a drink-drive related offence, said she gave a false name because she panicked.

Murray Schiffeldrin, defending, described the case as 'rather sad.' The defendant had been going through one of the most acrimonious divorces he had ever dealt with and her husband had waged a 'war of attrition' on her.

He had tried to drive her from the home they still shared, disposed of her wedding and engagement rings, sold her horse box and trailer and let her dog out. The most callous and despicable thing he had done was to tell her dying father that their marriage had broken down, when he had known nothing about it.

Sanderson's husband had also tried to undermine her authority with their children and had bribed them.

Mr Schiffeldrin said the only thing that had kept her going was her job. She was a top sales rep travelling all over the country and was highly thought of by her employers.

Sanderson had a driver, but on the day of the offences, had been let down. She had a vital appointment to keep and took the risk.

What happened was an isolated incident and Sanderson was not one who cocked a snook at court orders.