A DISQUALIFIED driver gave false details to police after he was stopped in his car during a routine check, magistrates heard.

Recovering heroin addict Paul Workman, of Crickley Drive, Warndon, Worcester appeared before the city's magistrates court yesterday, charged with driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Prosecuting, Kiernan Cunningham said at about 3pm on Friday, January 30, 39-year-old Workman was stopped by a police officer on patrol on Brookthorpe Drive, Blackpole, Worcester.

"He initially gave his details as Paul Johnson and appeared evasive so the officer challenged him and Workman provided his correct details and said he was a disqualified driver," he said.

Workman, who was given a three-year driving ban in January 2002 for failing to take a breath test, was subsequently arrested and taken to Worcester Police Station.

Mr Cunningham added Workman also had previous convictions for failing to take a breath test in November 1998 and driving with excess alcohol in August 2001.

Richard Hull, mitigating, said Workman was controlling an addiction to heroin and 'relished' the opportunity to get some help from the probation service.

No excuse

"There is no excuse for the commission of these offences and my client doesn't try to excuse his behaviour in any way," he said.

"He made a half-hearted effort to provide false details to the officer but, once pressed, gave his details and made a full admission."

Workman admitted both charges at an earlier hearing and was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

He was also banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay £43 costs.