A MAN who took over the driving because his wife felt unwell claimed he didn't realise he was banned.

Blackburn magistrates heard Stephen Anthony Jackson had been disqualified until he passed an extended re-test.

But he was prosecuted for driving with excess alcohol and there was no charge of disqualified driving brought at the time.

"When he was dealt with for drink driving there were no proceedings for disqualified driving which led him to believe he could drive," said Ian Huggan, defending.

"He has also recently passed his motorbike test which added to the confusion."

Jackson, 41, of Douglas Place, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance.

He was remanded on bail until December 3 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.