A FERRYHILL man has escaped another driving ban after being caught behind the wheel uninsured and whilst disqualified from driving.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard today (Thursday, February 11) that Jason Catterall, 43, was banned from driving for six-months last August under the totting-up procedure.

He had accrued enough points for a ban by speeding and driving without insurance twice but went on to use his car just days before his ban was due to end.

In court, Catterall, of Greenfields, admitted to driving whilst disqualified and without insurance on January 26.

His defence, Nick Woodhouse, argued exceptional circumstances, saying that Catterall had set up his own quantity surveying business in January.

Mr Woodhouse said Catterall launched the business knowing that his driving ban was to expire soon, but would be unable to continue the business if he was banned.

The exceptional hardship plea was accepted and £550 in court fines and charges was imposed and eight points added to his licence.