A YOUNG dad who drove whilst disqualified four times in just over two months has been sent to jail for six months.

Paul Ashley Dwyer, 23, who also hit a policewoman and dragged her 20 yards down the street when she went to arrest him, committed two offences whilst subject to a deferred sentence, Burnley Magistrates heard.

Dwyer, of The Crescent, Colne, admitted four counts of driving whilst disqualified and not having insurance and one charge of police assault. He was also banned from driving for two years and must take an extended retest.

John Wood, prosecuting, said the police officer saw the defendant driving a transit van in an erratic manner. She saw Dwyer stop, slide to the passenger side of the vehicle and get out.

The officer ran towards Dwyer, who appeared to be under the influence of something as he was unsteady on his feet. She took hold of him and told him he was under arrest.

Dwyer became violent and the policewoman radioed for help. She could not use CS gas as the defendant was flailing his arms around.