A DISQUALIFIED driver got behind the wheel of a heavy goods vehicle and drove from Leeds to East Lancashire.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael Sanderson claimed he had been "pressured" into making the journey.

He didn't know the purpose but said he was waiting for further instructions when police arrested him in Rising Bridge.

Sanderson, 35, of Tong Drive, Leeds, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, without insurance and other than in accordance with a driving licence. He was jailed for 18 weeks and banned from driving for five years.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Sanderson was subject to a four year ban imposed in 2019 and banned from driving until passing an extended re-test as a result of a dangerous driving conviction in 2017. He had four previous convictions for disqualified driving.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said there was pressure placed on Sanderson to drive the vehicle to where he was arrested.

"He accepts nobody held a gun to his head but there was pressure on him," said Mr Taylor.

"He had been told to drive to this location and he was awaiting further instructions."