A MAN who got behind the wheel for the fourth time while banned has escaped jail, but was told it was only by the skin of his teeth.

James Pickles, 21, had been ordered off the road for seven years at the age of 16 - before he was even legally able to drive, Burnley magistrates heard.

Pickles had given a false name when stopped by police.

He was given a 12 months community rehabilitation order, to include the Think First programme, was fined £100 and must pay £60 costs.

Pickles, of Tadema Grove, Burnley, had admitted driving while disqualified, possessing cannabis and failing to surrender.

Mark Williams, defending, said Pickles had separated from his girlfriend and lost his accommodation and job.

She had been expecting their child when they split up and had gone on to have an abortion.

That had upset the defendant. He had seen his doctor and was being treated for depression.

Pickles had now started seeing a new girlfriend, had work and everything was sorting itself out.