A MAN with an “appalling” driving record was caught joyriding on a stolen motorbike just two weeks after his release from prison and the start of a three-year ban.

Blackburn magistrates heard Muzzammil Iqbal passed a roadside alcohol breathalyser but a blood sample had been taken which had not yet been analysed for drugs.

Iqbal, 26, of Berry Street, Brierfield, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance and allowing himself to be carried on a vehicle taken without consent.

He was jailed for 10 weeks and banned from driving for three years and six months.

District Judge John Maxwell said Iqbal had an appalling record for dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

“You don’t seem to learn your lesson,” he said. “Within weeks of your release you are joyriding on a motorcycle which was stolen.”

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the motorbike had been stolen a few days before Iqbal was seen riding it on Sunday. She said further charges could be brought if any illegal substances were found in the blood sample which had been taken.

Nick Cassidy, defending, said the motorbike had been stolen by some young men and his client had taken it for a ride.

“He is at a loss to explain why,” said Mr Cassidy. “The breathalyser proved negative and he is confident the drug sample will come back negative for drugs.”