A BANNED driver failed to fool police by giving a false name when he was caught behind the wheel of a car, a court heard.

Alan McCabe, aged 22, of Heybrook Close, Whitefield, Bury, admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance, obstructing a police officer, and possessing cannabis. Rochdale magistrates made McCabe -- who was on licence from a 12-month jail sentence -- subject to 240 hours' community service, banned him from driving for two years and ordered him to pay £55 costs.

He was on licence from a 12-month prison sentence when the offences were committed and could have been sent back to jail. But after reading reports,

Chairman of the magistrates, Mrs Anita Lewis, told McCabe: "We seriously thought about sending you to prison but perhaps this is the opportunity for you to turn the corner."

Miss Gillian Lloyd, prosecuting, said McCabe had been banned from driving for 12 months in February for aggravated vehicle taking. He had also received a 12 month prison sentence for burglary and was out on licence.

When he was stopped whilst driving in Maclure Road, Rochdale, he gave the name Marsh but then gave his correct address and age which meant his attempt to deceive would ultimately end in failure.

While at Rochdale Police Station he voluntarily produced from his pocket a quantity of vegetable matter wrapped in film. He admitted it was cannabis.

On his behalf Mr Don Owen said McCabe had been laid off at the time of the offence and was in desperate financial straits with £440 a month to find for rent. It was behind this desire to deal with his financial problems that he was out driving whilst disqualified.

He said McCabe was genuinely remorseful and sending him to prison would have a disastrous effect on his partner and their children, particularly as he had made successful efforts in the interim to get a promise of re-employment.