A driver ended up with a £380 fine after failing to produce his driving documents to the police.

But Shabeer Mujahid, 22, of Albatross Street, Preston, had his conviction for driving without a licence, MOT or insurance, quashed at Preston Magistrates' Court because his licence was with the DVLA.

The case only ended up in court because police were unable to access the DVLA's records to verify Mr Mujahid's motoring details and they refused to accept a letter from them as evidence of his licence.

His problems started last September when Mr Mujahid, known as Shabs, who works at Montanas, in Towngate, Leyland, was pulled over by police and told to report to Lawson Street police station with his documents.

He was unable to present his licence because he had sent it to the DVLA a month earlier to have three penalty points endorsed for an earlier motoring offence.

"I took the letter from the DVLA, and was told just to bring my licence in when I got it back," he said. "When I got my licence back a couple of weeks later, I took it to the same station and the guy behind the desk said he was going to report me for the late production of my licence."

Mr Mujahid's case was heard by a court which imposed the fine in his absence. The case was dropped on February 10 after he explained the situation to court officials.

Now taxpayers will have to pick up the bill for the court costs.

The case has been slammed by civil liberties group, Liberty, and Prestons MP Mark Hendrick has labelled the fiasco a "comedy or errors". Libertys campaign co-ordinator, Doug Jewel, said: "This is a total waste of taxpayers' money, let alone the issue of Mr Mujahids human rights and the fact that resources would be better spent improving policing in the area."

What happened to Mr Mujahid could happen to anyone who is asked to produce their licence when they have sent it to the DVLA.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, motorists are required to present driving documents within seven days of being asked unless it is not 'reasonably possible'.

Police say they will only accept the actual document and not a letter from the DVLA.

Mr Mujahid is calling for an apology,

"It's been a total nightmare," he said. "This has brought shame on my family.

"I just want people to know that I didnt do it and I think the police should apologise."

A police spokesman said: "The way he was dealt with is standard procedure because it is the only way we can find out if someone does not actually have a licence and if they have any endorsements."

He said the Lancashire Constabulary did not have access to the DVLAs database.

A Home Office spokesman said police forces can check the Police National Computer, but it would only have basic information and would not include any endorsements.

He added: "There are currently no plans to make the DVLA's database available to the police, but all areas of legislation are kept under review,"

Mr Hendrick, said: "This seems like a comedy of errors and an unnecessary waste of the courts time.

"Clearly Mr Mujahid is a legitimate licence holder and was quite willing to present his licence if it was available."