A DISQUALIFIED motorist who got behind the wheel thought his driving ban had run out, Burnley magistrates heard.

Michael Howley, 48, whose disqualification actually ends in three days but still won't be able to drive until he has got his licence back from the DVLA, was fined £250 with £55 costs and given six penalty points.

The defendant, of Eastcroft, Nelson, banned for 12 months after driving with excess alcohol, admitted driving while disqualified and no insurance.

Brian Irlam, defending, said Howley had committed the drink driving offence when his daughter was being threatened with a knife by the person she lived with at the time.

He believed the ban expired in June, because he had spent the most part of last July in hospital and thought he could not have been in court. There were no previous offences of driving while disqualified.

Mr Irlan said the defendant drove the car, passing near to the police station and parked it in broad daylight -- not the actions of somebody trying to cheat the system.

Howley suffered arthritis, angina and spondilosis of the spine and a car enabled him to get about.

Mr Irlam added: "I ask the court not to further disqualify him because of his ill health and the peculiar circumstances of the matter. It was a genuine mistake and he is particularly sorry."