Banned Accrington driver never passed his test

3:44pm Friday 16th May 2008

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A MAN who got behind the wheel while banned had never passed a test.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Anthony Callender, 38, had almost 70 previous convictions.

The court was told Callender had earlier been given a suspended jail term by Judge Beverley Lunt.

Later, in February, she had allowed him to keep his freedom when he reoffended and breached it, even though she knew the latest case was pending.

Recorder Geoffrey Lowe said Judge Lunt should deal with the case. He told Callender: "I can't see that it prejudices you. It might be to your benefit."

The defendant, of Garbett Street, Accrington, had earlier admitted driving whilst disqualified and no insurance and had been committed for sentence by Hyndburn Magistrates.

The case was adjourned until the week starting June 2, at Preston Crown Court.

Francis McEntee, prosecuting, said the defendant was stopped in the early hours in January in Darwen.

He had been a banned driver and remained so until he passed a "retest".

The defendant had 66 previous convictions, for a "catalogue of offences at the lower end of the scale."

Mr McEntee said Callender had never passed a driving test anyway and had never held a full licence.