A BANNED driver was caught behind the wheel after police saw his vehicle speeding through a red light.

Andrew Robinson, 45, was driving a Vauxhall Insignia on Hensingham Main Street in the early hours of September 19.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting at Workington Magistrates’ Court, said police saw the vehicle accelerating through temporary traffic lights at speed.

Officers followed the vehicle and stopped Robinson as he pulled up at a nearby garage. Checks showed he was disqualified from driving.

Ms Fee said the defendant had a number of driving related offences on his record including drug driving and driving while disqualified.

He had been banned from driving for three years in June.

Robinson, who had no legal representation, said: “I’m so sorry. I really apologise.

“I have been off work through mental health for quite some time.”

The defendant, of Greystoke Close, Mirehouse, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to driving while disqualified and using a vehicle on a road without third party insurance.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with a six-month curfew, to run daily from 7pm until 6am, and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Robinson was disqualified from driving for a further 18 months. He must pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.