A BUILDER who did not realise he was a banned motorist has admitted driving while disqualified.Jamie Nicholls, of Landseer Road, Ipswich, was stopped by a police officer on Woodbridge Road East just after midnight on August 6.

A BUILDER who did not realise he was a banned motorist has admitted driving while disqualified.

Jamie Nicholls, of Landseer Road, Ipswich, was stopped by a police officer on Woodbridge Road East just after midnight on August 6.

When questioned about his disqualification the 20-year-old said he thought the ban had ended in July.

Gareth Davies, prosecuting, told the court that Nicholls was arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified and taken to the police station.

It was later discovered that the defendant's ban was actually due to end in October this year. He was banned from driving for 12-months as a totter in October 2000.

Howard Catherall, defending, said: "In relation to the offence itself it was an incident that occurred towards the end of a 12-month driving ban Mr Nicholls genuinely didn't realise he was subject to.

Mr Catherall said his client, who has previous convictions, is making serious changes to his life.

He said: "He came out of prison in February and this is the only offence for which he is in court for, it speaks volumes about the changes this young man is trying to make in his life."

At the hearing magistrates in Ipswich heard that Nicholls and his long-term girlfriend are expecting a baby.

Mr Catherall said: "She has given Mr Nicholls a very clear ultimatum to stop offending."

Magistrates sentenced Nicholls to a 12-month community rehabilitation programme and ordered him to pay £55 towards prosecution costs. He was also banned from driving for three months.