A former Blackburn Rovers footballer has been handed a driving ban after being caught behind the wheel while disqualified last year.

Ian Poveda, who was on loan with Rovers at the time from Leeds United, had admitted at a hearing last May to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

The offence took place on April 14, 2022, in Pump Street, Manchester, when he was caught driving a Mercedes-Benz AMG A180 while banned.

The winger was on loan at Ewood Park at the time but was out injured with an ankle injury.

The case has been rumbling on since May 2022 due to an adjournment to consider if there were special reasons for Poveda, 23, to avoid a driving ban, and also due to industrial action by barristers.

However last month special reasons for him to avoid a ban were not found.

Poveda, whose address is listed as being in the city of Salford according to court documents, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on October 6 to finally be sentenced, and he was handed a six month driving ban and ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work.

He was also told to pay court costs and a surcharge to fund victim services.

Poveda made 10 appearances for Rovers in the 2021-22 EFL Championship season, scoring one goal, before injury cut his season short.

He then spent last season at Blackpool FC on loan, and this season has returned to parent club Leeds following their relegation from the Premier League, with four appearance so far this season.