A BANNED driver caught behind the wheel for the 12th time was jailed yesterday.

David Atkinson, 26, was spotted in Wenlock Road, South Shields, South Tyneside, driving a Vauxhall Cavalier on January 5.

Newcastle Crown Court was told how he was pulled over and initially gave a false name to officers, but later revealed his true identity and confessed he was disqualified.

At the time of his arrest, Atkinson had been released from a previous prison sentence for similar offences for only two months.

He already had 11 previous convictions for driving whilst disqualified.

Atkinson, of Percy Street, Jarrow, admitted driving while disqualified, having no insurance and obstructing a police constable.

Judge David Wood told him: "You have 11 previous convictions for driving whilst disqualified and if you go on committing these offences you are just going to spend longer and longer periods in prison."

Atkinson was sentenced to 85 days outstanding from his previous sentence followed by four months for the latest offences.

He was banned for 12 months.