A MAN with a long criminal record has been given a suspended prison sentence after being caught driving while banned.

David Mason, aged 55, of Yates Street, Bolton, was found behind the wheel of a car by police officers last March.

Mason had twice been given driving bans and, at the time of the offence, was still banned, Bolton magistrates court was told.

He pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and having no insurance.

District Judge Michael Singleton heard that Mason suffers from angina and was on his way to his doctor in Manchester to get a prescription. He has since disposed of the car and changed his doctor to one in Bolton.

Judge Singleton sentenced Mason to four months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also banned from driving for two years and ordered to pay £150 prosecution costs.