A production manager was warned that if he was caught driving while banned again, he would immediately face jail.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Andrew John Aspden, 25, of Olive Lane, Darwen, had been convicted of disqualified driving in 2002, 2003 and twice in 2004.

And when he was stopped on November 11 he gave false details, later telling police he had panicked.

Aspden admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance, and obstructing a police officer.

He was made subject to a 120-day prison sentence suspended for two years, banned from driving for two years, made subject to a community supervision order for two years and fined £300 with £55 costs.

Abid Da, defending, said Aspden had foolishly agreed to drop off some football kit at the JJB Soccer Dome for a friend who was staying at his house, and had left his car there.

He added: "Following his initial panic when he actually gave his friend's details, he co-operated fully with the police."