A BANNED driver who got behind the wheel while banned had a young child in the passenger seat, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Musadique Ali Khan, 28, was half way through a three year disqualification but flouted it because his mother was ill.

Khan, of Railway Street, Nelson, admitted driving while disqualified and having no insurance, on March 20. He was jailed for two months.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court Khan was parked on double yellow lines when police saw him.

He had a child in the passenger seat of his car. The defendant was asked to get out of the car, was asked if he was banned but he refused to answer questions. When he was asked again, Khan nodded and confirmed he was aware he was a disqualified driver.

Miss Jabbari said the defendant, who had 13 previous convictions, had been banned until September 2005.

Brian Irlam, defending, said the offence was an isolated lapse. Khan's mother had been unwell and Khan was going to the nearest telephone about a quarter of a mile away.

It was only a short distance but it was of paramount importance to the defendant because of his mother.