A BANNED driver with more than 30 previous convictions for driving while disqualified was jailed for six months - the maximum sentence - by Blackburn magistrates.

The court heard that Robert Wayne Bausor, 29, of North Road, had a fascination with cars that verged on an addiction.

Bausor pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance and as well as the jail sentence was disqualified for a further three years.

Neil Standage, prosecuting, said Bausor was seen driving by two officers who immediately recognised him as a disqualified driver.

He told police he had only bought the car four hours earlier and had only driven it off a driveway.

Michael Blacklidge, defending, said Bausor accepted that he had a terrible record for driving while disqualified.

On this occasion he had bought the car with a view to doing it up and only intended driving it round the block so that he could check the condition of the engine.

Mr Blacklidge said that Bausor had always appeared in court as a somewhat lonely individual, with no ties or commitments, partly because he spent so much time in custody.

He said that because Bausor had managed to stay out of trouble since his last release, he had managed to form a relationship which could mark a turning point in his life.

Bausor had first met the lady in question four or five years ago when the relationship had been short-lived.

"She remembers meeting him on a Friday, going out on a Sunday, and then not seeing him again because he was arrested on the Sunday for driving while disqualified," said Mr Blacklidge.

"Over the last four months they have developed a relationship and he has been a big help in looking after her young son."

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