RACEHORSE trainer Michael Steel defied a driving ban to keep a date with police, a court heard yesterday.

The former jockey, who earns £1,750 a week helping his partner Kariana Key run the Merryvale Stud, in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, was banned from driving for 18 months on October 28.

Alison Lynskey, prosecuting, said that he was spotted at the wheel of a Seat Ibiza less than six weeks later, heading into Harrogate.

Geoffrey Boothby, defending, said that Steel, 55, had to go to Harrogate police station on December 3, to see the officer who dealt with the drink-drive case on another matter.

He had forgotten the appointment and panicked because of a previous conviction for failing to answer bail.

He said Steel took a friend's car, but was spotted by the officer in the case as she drove in the opposite direction.

The officer had wanted to tell Steel there was no longer a need to report to the station - and ended up arresting him.

Steel, 55, who appeared before Harrogate magistrates admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Court chairman Brian Pattyson told Steel, of Cass Lane, Knaresborough, that prison had been given serious consideration.

"We don't accept being late for a police appointment as an excuse. You chose to drive just six weeks after being banned, which shows a blatant disregard for court orders," he said.

Steel was ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid community work and was banned from driving for a year. He was also fined £1,000 with £50 costs