A DRIVER stopped by police was not aware he was banned.

Harun Gul, 26, of March Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty at Blackburn magistrates to driving while disqualified and without insurance. He was banned from driving for five months and fined £120 with £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Daniel Frazer, defending, said Gul had been disqualified in his absence under the totting-up procedure.

“He travels around the country for work and was not aware of the ban,” said Mr Frazer.

“He relies on his family to sort out his mail for him and he was not made aware of the court date.”