A DISQUALIFIED driver was spotted behind the wheel by a police officer who knew he was banned.

Blackburn magistrates heard Gareth Dwyer was already going through the court system for another offence of disqualified driving.

Dwyer, 40, of New Market Street, Colne, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified on July 18. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 40 hours unpaid work. He was banned from driving for six months and ordered to pay £95 victim surcharge.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Dwyer had been disqualified in January for 12 months. He had been caught behind the wheel in March but that matter was not dealt with until August when he was made subject to a community order and further disqualified.

David Lawson, defending, said his client accepted he knew about the earlier offence, which was still in the court system, when he was seen behind the wheel in July.

"He has had problems with heroin in the past but he is now on a methadone prescription and is in a much better place," said Mr Lawson.