POLICE received an anonymous tip-off that a disqualified driver who had been drinking was driving away from a Clitheroe pub.

Blackburn magistrates heard officers eventually caught up with Craig David Catlow at his home in Bashall Eaves where his car, with the engine still warm, was parked among some caravans.

Catlow said he had left the pub hours ago and had been drinking at home.

But CCTV footage showed him arriving at 6pm and driving off the car park three and a half hours later.

Catlow, 55, of Clitheroe Road, Bashall Eaves, was convicted after trial of driving while disqualified, with excess alcohol and without insurance.

He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, fined £180 and ordered to pay £520 costs and £120 victim surcharge. He was banned from driving for three years.

The court was told the offence was committed just 10 days after Catlow had been disqualified for drink driving.

Salina Akhtar, defending, said her client fully respected the decision of the court to convict him.