A BANNED driver spotted by police "just moving" a car has been sent to prison for six months.

Burnley magistrates heard how Phillip Lewis, 24, drove the vehicle about 20 metres as officers watched him. Lewis, of Florence Avenue, Burnley, was also disqualified for 12 months. He admitted driving while disqualified and being in breach of a conditional discharge.

Julie Reddish, prosecuting, said that about 11pm police spoke to the defendant, who was sitting in the driver's seat of the car. The vehicle was parked and the engine switched off. When officers pointed out Lewis was disqualified he said he was only sitting in the car. He then went into a house, came out, got into the vehicle and drove it. Lewis had 49 previous convictions.

Rachel Hodgson, defending, said Lewis claimed the car had been parked in an unsafe way and he only drove it a short distance. There was no suggestion of drink driving. The defendant had been in custody for seven days and had got rid of the car. Lewis knew what he did was foolish when police were watching. He believed driving while disqualified was almost a "victimless" offence, but now understood the implications for other road users. Lewis was not in a stable relationship. He knew he would receive a short custodial sentence.

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