A BANNED driver was recognised by an off-duty police officer who was filling up with petrol.

Blackburn magistrates heard the officer knew Charles Smith but did not realise he was banned from driving.

But when he was seen in the same Motability car two weeks later Smith was identified as a banned motorist and he tried to evade the police.

Smith, 39, who is currently serving a prison sentence, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance in Colne in July and driving while disqualified and without insurance, failing to stop for a police officer and driving without due care and attention in Barnoldswick in July.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison and disqualified from driving for two years and 56 days.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said on the second occasion Smith was seen driving the car in Colne and then later in Barnoldswick. When officers indicated for him to stop he sped off.

He was pursued through a built up area, including passing a childrens' playground on a summer afternoon.

"He nearly caused a collision with a car coming the other way on a bend before losing the police and abandoning his vehicle," said Mrs Yates.

Catherine Fell, defending, said the Motability car was for the benefit of the defendant's partner.

"He knows he should have waited until September when his ban ended before getting behind the wheel," said Miss Fell.