A PROLIFIC banned driver has been spared jail and a further disqualification after striking again.

A district judge wants the probation service to work with Dean Hughes, 45, even though they say his views about his offending behaviour are so entrenched that they think he should be locked up.

Burnley Magistrates Court heard how jobless Hughes had been to prison many times and was unlikely to be affected by it. The only thing it did was give the public a rest.

The defendant, of Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, admitted driving while disqualified and no insurance on Reedyford Road, Nelson, on May 17.

He was given five months in custody, suspended for a year, with supervision.

Hughes also received 10 points on his licence and was banned for six months under the totting up procedure, which will not extend his current disqualification.