A KIDDERMINSTER man who was banned from driving got behind the wheel of his car because he feared he would lose his job if he was late, a court heard.

Andrew Lancett, of Woodfield Crescent, was five weeks into a 20 month disqualification – imposed after a previous drink driving offence - when he was caught driving his car on Holmwood Avenue in Kidderminster on June 25 this year.

Kidderminster Magistrates heard how 42-year-old Lancett works in Redditch and had arranged to get a lift from his colleague from outside Kidderminster Hospital - a short distance from his home.

But the court was told that Lancett had woken up late that day and decided to drive to meet his friend to ensure he got his lift.

Adrian Jones, prosecuting, said: “At around 5am, police saw the Volkswagen Golf being driven towards St Johns Avenue.

“The car turned into Blakebrook where it was stopped by the police. Officers spoke to Mr Lancett and he confessed he was disqualified.

“He told them that he was late for work but acknowledged it was a stupid thing for him to have done.”

Fergus Maxwell, defending, said: “Through the skin of his teeth, he has managed to keep his job following his previous offence.

“He has made arrangements to be taken to work by a friend. Normally he cycles to the location where he gets his lift to Redditch.

“But there have been problems such as changes of shifts and his friend being on holiday and this has led to a poor work record of lateness. He was on a final warning.

“On the day, he woke up late and was going to miss his lift. He was desperate to not be late and therefore lose his job. He has also been going through an unpleasant divorce and has financial pressures so he is concerned about losing his home.

“Against this backdrop, he made a very foolish decision in a state of panic to drive his car the short distance to get his lift.”

Lancett was handed a 12 month community order including completing 150 hours unpaid work and banned from driving for nine months.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs, a court charge of £150 and a victim surcharge of £60.