A HEART patient suffering chest pains got behind the wheel to go to hospital, even though he was banned from driving, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Harry Eastham, 28, took his sister's car, which had been left at his home, because he could not walk far.

Eastham, who committed a similar offence six weeks before, was put on probation for 18 months and banned for 18 months, after admitting driving while disqualified. He was also ordered to pay £55 costs.

The bench told Eastham, of Irene Street, Burnley, not to drive again or it would be jail next time.

Mark Williams, defending, said Eastham, was extremely concerned he may be sent to custody.

The defendant had a congenital heart problem, was in receipt of severe disablement allowance and mobility allowance and could only walk a short distance.

Mr Williams said Eastham had been suffering chest pains and his sister's vehicle had been left outside his home. He had the keys.

He added the defendant drove because of his medical condition to get to hospital to see if there were any problems.

He also suffered claustrophobia, which would affect him if custody was imposed.

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