A FORMER car dealer who claimed police were picking on him, was told by a judge he was not a victim as he believed -- he just kept breaking the law.

Abid Hussain, who had committed a "catalogue" of motoring offences was sent to prison for 12 months and banned from driving for a year by Judge Raymond Bennett who added that if he stopped offending and got a good reputation, no policeman would bother him.

Hussain, 23, of Dartford Close, Blackburn, had admitted failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident, driving with excess alcohol, driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, failing to surrender, using a car with dangerous parts and offences of driving without insurance. He had been committed for sentence by Hyndburn magistrates.

Kevin Donnelly, defending, said Hussain had consistently flouted the law. He had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and co-operated with police in interview.

Although he had begun his criminal career with more serious offences, since 1996, he had tended towards more minor offences. It was his connection with and the use of motor vehicles that was bringing him before the courts.

Hussain had not been convicted of dangerous driving before which was perhaps something of a surprise.

Mr Donnelly added the defendant had left school without qualifications, but had gone into business buying and selling cars. He had been prepared to get behind the wheel when he shouldn't have done.