A BANNED driver who flouted a court order for the fourth time has been jailed for three months.

Burnley Magistrates heard how jobless Stephen Forsythe, 25, who had already got behind the wheel twice this year, lied to police.

His solicitor told the court how Forsythe had got a letter from the DVLA telling him his ban was over. The defendant thought he could go back on the road, but he was still subject to another ban imposed by Preston magistrates.

The defendant, of Grindleton Grove, Burnley, admitted driving while disqualified, no insurance and police obstruction.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court on July 15 police stopped the defendant on Colne Road, travelling towards Burnley. He gave false details but when his real name and address was established, he told officers he thought his ban had expired.

Forsythe had three previous convictions for driving while disqualified, two of them from this year.

Paul Manning, defending, said Forsythe had received a letter from the DVLA telling him the ban had expired on May 27. But that ban was one made under the totting-up procedure and Preston magistrates had also disqualified him for two years.

After the letter, the defendant applied for a provisional licence and thought he would have driving lessons again.

Forsythe, who lived with his partner and her son, had taken her to work and was on his way home when he was stopped. He gave false details because he knew he was uninsured and panicked.