A WORCESTER man has been banned from driving for two years after he ignored a previous ban.

Trevor Gill, of Mortlake Avenue, off London Road, Worcester, could go to prison if he gets caught behind the wheel of a car again.

The 47-year-old painter and decorator admitted driving while disqualified when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

He also admitted driving without insurance.

Barry Newton, defending, said: "The implications of his going to prison would be dire for third parties. His son would not be able to maintain the business for any period and the part-time decorator and driver would lose their employment.

"His partner is also reliant on his income to support the household and would suffer in consequence."

Police stopped Gill driving a white Vauxhall Astra van in Pheasant Street, Lowesmoor, Worcester, on Wednesday, March 7.

He was originally banned for a year after he was caught drink-driving on Thursday, January 4.

But he got behind the wheel again because his 22-year-old son was ill and there was no one else who could pick up building materials from Wickes Building Supplies in Worcester, magistrates heard.

Gill has two previous convictions for driving while disqualified - in 1977 and 1995.

Magistrates gave him a suspended sentence for 12 months and ordered him to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work.

Bill Payter, the chairman of the bench, told Gill: "The reason for the suspended sentence is your total disregard for previous court orders."

Magistrates warned him that If he drives again during the two-year ban he risks 16 weeks' jail.