A Helston man banned from driving in 2001 until he passed an extended driving test had taken the test again, Truro magistrates heard, but failed.

On June 29 Robert Alfred Sellars was caught driving by the police after he had offered to drive his pregnant niece when she had been having contractions.

Sellars, aged 51, of Kingsley Way, Helston, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance and was sent to prison for 12 weeks.

Alison May, for the CPS, said he had been disqualified in 2001 for dangerous driving. Twice since then he had been convicted of driving while disqualified.

When officers saw him in June he admitted he was still disqualified and knew he should not be driving.

Paul Gallagher, solicitor for Sellars, told the magistrates about the defendant's niece's condition and his concern over her pregnancy. He was also someone suffering from loneliness and depression.

Sellars was banned from driving for 18 months and until he passes a test.