A DISQUALIFIED driver stopped on the A59 was “shocked” when police told him he was banned.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jamie Michael Maughan had been banned in his absence but because of marital problems had not seen any of his mail.

Maughan, 27, of Station View, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified.

The chairman of the magistrates said they accepted Maughan didn’t know he was disqualified and that was reflected in the sentence. He was fined £40 with £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 14 days.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said Maughan had been disqualified under the totting-up procedure in his absence.

“All parties are agreed that he didn’t know he was disqualified,” said Mrs Yates.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client had been genuinely surprised when he was stopped by the police and told he was disqualified.

Maughan had been living in a caravan with his wife but there had been problems in the marriage and he moved out.

“He doesn’t know what mail was sent to the caravan."