A SELF-employed plasterer said he broke a driving ban so that he could continue to work.

Peter Truchan, 55, of Broadway, Gloucester, was given a 'totting up' disqualification at a hearing in January as a result of four speeding offences.

However, Hereford Magistrates Court heard last week that Truchan had been driving a Nissan Micra when he was stopped by police in Peterstow on March 17 because he had a rear brake light out.

Police checks revealed he had no insurance and no driving licence, having been banned from driving until July.

He pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified and driving without third party insurance before magistrates last week.

Marilena Divitantonio, defending, said Truchan had not been in court at the time of the disqualification and had wanted to appeal it but was out of time.

"He says he drove because he needed to work as a self-employed plasterer. He needed the money and that's why he took the decision to drive," she said.

"He understands the severity of the offences and the implications."

For the offence of driving whilst disqualified Truchan was handed a 12-month community order with a requirement to complete 40 hours unpaid work in the community.

For the offence of driving without insurance he was fined £450 and ordered to pay £135 costs and a £45 victim surcharge. He was also disqualified from driving for a further six months.