AN ACT of chivalry by a banned driver for his girlfriend, landed him in court and earned him another disqualification.

Burnley magistrates heard how Grant Smith, 26, had moved a car parked on a zebra crossing under police "supervision," and gave officers false details.

The car had been driven by his girlfriend, who on seeing police approach, indicated she was not insured.

Smith, of Bank Street, Padiham, who has two previous convictions for driving while disqualified, and has been to prison, was sentenced to 50 hours' community service, and ordered to pay £55 costs.

He was also banned from driving for 12 months. He admitted driving while disqualified, without insurance and without a test certificate and obstructing a police officer.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Smith told police he gave a false name to "save a lot of hassle." The defendant had served a four-month prison term for driving while disqualified. Trevor Grice, defending, said Smith moved the car 10 yards, off the zebra crossing.

He had carried out an "act of chivalry," to clear the obstruction being caused by the car, which his girlfriend had driven.

He had not intended to drive it any further.

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