A disqualified driver has been banned again in the week he was due to get his licence back after being caught driving in Ipswich.

Gregory Henderson, of Pine Drive, Purdis Farm, had decided to get behind the wheel to collect his medication for a chest infection.

The 25-year-old pleaded guilty at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court to driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and possession of a Class A drug.

The offences occurred on October 6.

Prosecutor Tess Mann said Henderson was seen driving in a Mercedes by a police officer at 11.30am.

The vehicle was stopped in Civic Drive and Henderson told the officer his name was Joseph Noy.

However, he had no identification on him to verify this and could not remember his date of birth, the court heard.

Henderson was asked to provide a fingerprint and then informed the officer of his real name.

It was discovered he had been disqualified from driving in February for 14 months after being convicted of drink-driving.

When the vehicle was searched police found a bag of white powder.

It turned out to contain .7 grammes of cocaine, which was said to be worth no more than £25.

Magistrates were told Henderson said he had borrowed the car from a friend.

However, Mr Noy told police he had allowed Henderson to borrow the Mercedes, but did not realise he was disqualified and believed he was sorting out the insurance.

Henderson, representing himself, told the court: “I am very sorry. I was driving just a short distance to get a prescription for a chest infection.

“I was worried about my health.

“It was a very stupid thing to do. I know that now.”

Henderson added there was no one else available to call upon to give him a lift.

He concluded by saying: “I would have been eligible for the return of my licence this week.”

Magistrates banned Henderson from driving for a further nine months and made him subject to a 12-month community order.

As part of the order Henderson must undertake 120 hours’ unpaid work.

He must also pay a fine of £400 and £85 in prosecution costs, as well as £85 to the victims’ fund.