A MAN convicted of defying a driving ban for the ninth time in 11 years escaped a prison sentence yesterday.

David Lee Taylor, who lives in a caravan behind the Black Swan pub, in Devonshire Place, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was spotted driving in Kent Drive, Harrogate, the town's magistrates were told.

Nicholas Ralph, prosecuting, said Taylor, 34, who also pleaded guilty to not having insurance, had served several prison sentences for driving while disqualified.

His first conviction had been in 1991 and others had followed the same year and in 1992, 1998, 2000 and last year.

In mitigation, David Camidge said Taylor's last driving ban had been for dangerous driving in July 2000 - for two years - with the stipulation that he take an extended driving test before going back on the road.

He had not yet taken a test, although he had paid the fee and was waiting for a date.

Taylor was given a conditional discharge for a year, banned from the roads for another two years and ordered to pay £180 costs.