A DISQUALIFIED driver took his vehicle to the North East after landing a job in Gateshead.

Blackburn magistrates heard Adam Cotterill had to work a week in hand and couldn’t afford to get there on public transport.

Cotterill, 36, of Mayfield Avenue, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, without insurance and without a test certificate.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity and 100 hours unpaid work and banned from driving for 12 months.

Laura Peers, prosecuting, said Cotterill was driving his vehicle when he was seen by a police patrol. Vehicle recognition checks revealed the offences and he was stopped. Cotterill had been disqualified for 12 months in November for excess alcohol.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client was a mechanical fitter by trade and had been offered a job in Gateshead. “He couldn’t afford to get up there and foolishly took his car,” said Mr Prew. “His car had been off the road at home.”