A 57-year-old banned driver has been jailed after admitting to police he had been using his car for about 18 months.

Blackburn magistrates heard it was Allan Warburton’s 10th conviction for driving while disqualified and he had already been to prison twice before.

Chairman of the magistrates, Janet Alcock, said: “You just don’t seem to understand that driving while disqualified is a criminal offence.”

Warburton, of Black Lane Croft, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance and obstructing a police officer.

He was jailed for 12 weeks.

Sobia Ahmed, prosecuting, said Warburton initially gave the name Nicholas Hargreaves and when he was asked for ID tried to hide a bank card in his wallet which gave his real name.

He then admitted giving false details because he was banned and also admitted driving on a regular basis since his partner had an operation on her foot 18 months earlier and was unable to drive.

Warburton, who was not represented, said he accepted he was guilty and there was nothing more he could say.