A WORCESTER man has been jailed for almost six months after being caught driving whilst disqualified.

Daniel Barnes, of Warndon, had been driving a blue BMW on Cranham Drive when he was spotted by PC Richard Waterhouse.

PC Waterhouse arrested Barnes after checking out his details on Police National Computer (PNC) computer system and discovering he was disqualified.

The 27-year-old pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified and using a motor vehicle without insurance at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Elaine Atkinson, defending, said Barnes, who is a mechanic, had bought a car for refurbishment and was unaware of the importance of the retest.

She said: “He didn’t realise the importance of taking the test. He thought he was out of the disqualification period.”

He had been caught driving the vehicle the short distance between where he had bought it and his Langdale Drive home.

Ms Atkinson added: “He is obviously known by police officers in Worcester. I don’t believe it was a spot check.

“He is a very foolish man.”

She added: “In the last few months he got involved with a lady who is very sensible and she is keen to keep him on the straight and narrow.”

The court heard Barnes had a long history of driving offences, including dangerous driving.

Colin Phillips, prosecuting, said Barnes was unaccompanied in the vehicle and made a full admission of guilt at the police station.

The crime took place on Friday, October 6.

Magistrates sentenced Barnes to 22 weeks in prison and £115 victim surcharge.