A BANNED driver who got behind the wheel escaped a jail sentence -- even though Burnley Magistrates said they had planned to send him down.

The bench was told how Michael Mitchell, 40, who cares full-time for his wife, had been plagued by drug addiction and had stormed out of the house and got in the car after a row about his habit.

Mitchell sobbed in court as the justices said they were bending over backwards to give him a chance -- it was his second opportunity and they did not think if he appeared before the magistrates again they would take the same view.

The defendant was told he had shown a "flagrant disregard," for court orders, but had fully co-operated with the police and shown genuine remorse for what he had done.

Mitchell, of Chester Street, Accrington, had earlier admitted driving while disqualified and not having insurance, on 13 June.

He was given an 18 month community rehabilitation order and was banned from driving for two years.

Rachel Hodgson, defending, said Mitchell was seeking help with his drug abuse not only for his sake but also for his wife's.

If he was able to address his problems, he would be able to manage the pressures of his life a little better.

The defendant wanted assistance to move away from the pattern of offending.