A DRIVER who got behind the wheel while banned and persisted in giving police false details has been jailed for four months.

John Leslie Wilkinson, 34, only owned up to lying to police when officers produced a photo of him to prove who he was.

He had put his liberty at stake by doing an errand for his boss, Burnley magistrates heard.

Wilkinson, who has 17 previous convictions and had been ordered off the road for three years for excess alcohol, had breached previous community orders.

The defendant, of Devonshire Road, Burnley, admitted driving while disqualified, no insurance and police obstruction.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Wilkinson suffered stress and depression. He had taken casual work as a builder's labourer and his boss had asked him to take some plaster board a short distance.

The solicitor went on: "He took the decision to drive a short distance to keep his employment. He panicked and prevaricated until confronted with the photo."