A disqualified driver has escaped with a fine after admitting getting back behind the wheel within days in order to do his shopping.  

Michael Harkes, 74, was banned from driving for three years on March 7 - but just 12 days later he was stopped by police in Norwich.

Norwich Magistrates Court was told he had been doing his shopping when he was arrested close to Morrisons on Riverside Retail Park.

READ MORE: Norwich disqualified driver caught FIVE times over limit

Prosecutors said police had pulled over his Ford Focus and checks had revealed he no longer had a valid licence.

“He has shown complete and utter disregard for this court,” they added.

Eastern Daily Press: Magistrates were told Harkes had been shopping when he was caught driving while disqualifiedMagistrates were told Harkes had been shopping when he was caught driving while disqualified (Image: Google)

Harkes, of Home Close in Great Ellingham, near Attleborough, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and having no insurance. 

Rob New, mitigating, said: “He made a big mistake in his decision to drive but he found himself between a rock and a hard place in that he is a single man who lives in a small village with little or no public transport. 

“Like us all he has the basic need to go shopping.”  

Harkes had previously been banned for drink driving in 2018 and was disqualified in March after refusing to take a breath test. 

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After being warned he faces jail if he drives again Harkes told magistrates from the dock he had now sold his car. 

Eastern Daily Press: Harkes was warned he will be jailed if he drives again before March 2027Harkes was warned he will be jailed if he drives again before March 2027 (Image: Newsquest)

Banning him for an additional 12 months, meaning he is disqualified from driving until March 6 2027, magistrates said: “This something this court takes very seriously made worse because you drove again so soon after being disqualified. You also have a history of previous serious driving offences.”

They said the offence “fell just short of custody” and instead they ordered that he pay fines and costs totalling £858.

But they added: “Age is no defence to custody. If you continue to drive while disqualified you will go to prison.”