A FATHER-of-four has been jailed for five months after his third offence of driving while disqualified this year.

Burnley magistrates heard how David Priestley, 21, gave police another name when stopped, had just got out of prison for driving while disqualified and did not want to go back

Priestley, of Langdale Road, Padiham, admitted disqualified driving, no insurance and obstructing a police constable.

He was told by the bench he had not responded to previous sentences and had shown complete disregard for court orders. He was banned from driving for 12 months.

Geoff Ireland, defending, said Priestley lived with his girlfriend and four children. Another child was on the way and custody would punish her as well as Priestley.

He had been very foolish, there had been no evidence of bad driving and other options as well as prison were available to the court.

The offences occurred after the defendant and his partner went to visit friends with the children.

Priestley was left looking after the youngsters while his girlfriend went to bingo.

The baby needed powdered milk and a neighbour, who is also disqualified from driving, said he could use his car. Priestley took the risk.

He made full and frank admissions to the police and he could be placed on probation.

Mr Ireland went on: "Custody would put the family in a difficult position at a time when he is needed.

"A child is expected in January and when the defendant is not with his girlfriend, she has four young children to take care of."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.