Banned driver is caught on forecourt

2:30pm Wednesday 11th July 2007

A POLICE officer filling up with petrol on his way to work saw a disqualified driver filling up on the same forecourt.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when the officer spoke to Firoz Bhaji he admitted driving the car but claimed he had only moved it across the forecourt while his wife was taking a phone call.

Bhaji, 27, of St Aidens Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

The magistrates said they were considering a custodial sentence after hearing Bhaji had seven previous convictions for disqualified driving and had been sent to prison for the offence in January.

Clare Knight, defending, said the officer did not see Bhaji driving.

"It was only through his own admission of driving across the forecourt that the police knew he had driven," said Miss Knight.