A MAN has been jailed after persistently flouting an order banning him from the roads.

Robert Noel Edwards, from Sedgefield, in County Durham, was caught driving on July 9 despite being disqualified.

The 56-year-old, of Eden Drive, was disqualified after being caught drink driving on May 2 last year.

At that time he was given a 40-month driving ban.

Edwards, who admitted driving while disqualified, using a vehicle without insurance, and obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty, had also been caught driving on June 6.

When he was stopped by police near Coxhoe, after leaving the A1(M) at junction 61 on July 9, Edwards gave a false name and when asked if he was or knew Robert Edwards, said he did not.

Andrew Clinton, mitigating, said Edwards had been stopped on his way to work and added that he had not been stopped for bad driving.

"He's someone who has always wanted to work. The loss of his licence has impacted him greatly."

Arguing for a community sentence, he added: "He needs to be educated about why he shouldn't be driving."

Sentencing him to 22 weeks in prison, magistrates said: "Your driving record is absolutely atrocious.

"You had a total disregard to the court order and you are a danger to the public."