A BANNED driver stopped by police made a 'half-hearted' attempt to mislead officers over his identity.

Burnley magistrates heard how Aftab Afzal, 22, disqualified for three years in July 1998, was seen by police leaving a garage forecourt, in March. He was arrested and taken to the police station, where his true name was revealed.

Afzal, of Burnley Road, Brierfield, was given a combination order of 12 months probation and 100 hours community service.

He must attend the probation service Stop Programme, was banned for three years and fined £50. He had admitted driving while disqualified, no insurance and two counts of failing to surrender.

Afzal was told by the bench it was his last chance and if he drove again while disqualified, it would be prison.

John Rusius, defending, said the defendant's probation report contained a 'whole host of positive things'.

He had managed to find good work and was taking things a lot more seriously.

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