A MUM of three who appeared in court for three offences of driving while disqualified was told the reason she wasn't going to prison was her children.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jade Rebecca Hopson had been disqualified under the totting-up procedure but was then caught behind the wheel in April and twice in August.

Michael Alexander, defending, said his client had made three appalling errors of judgement.

District Judge Huw Edwards warned her that any further errors would end in prison.

"These offences cross the custodial threshold and a prison sentence is warranted," said District Judge Edwards.

"The main reason I am going to suspend your sentence is because of your children.

"If you are foolish enough to commit another offence, particularly of disqualified driving, while this sentence is active you will probably go to prison."

Hopson, 31, of Blucher Street, Colne, pleaded guilty to three charges of driving while disqualified and three charges of driving without insurance.

She was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and made subject to a community order for 12 months with 10 days rehabilitation activity requirement. She was banned from driving for two years and ordered to pay £156 victim surcharge.

Mr Alexander said his client was aware that she had put herself in a serious position.