A MAN disqualified for drink-driving was ‘foolish’ to get back behind the wheel of car to help a mate, a court has heard.

James Cook was banned from driving for 22 months in February but just two months later he was caught by police driving a Saab 95 in Hoopers Place, Old Town.

The 24-year-old of Beech Avenue, Pinehurst, was pulled over just after midnight on April 8 after the vehicle flagged up on the officers’ Automatic Number Plate Recognition? system.

And on Wednesday Cook pleaded guilty at Swindon Magistrates Court to driving whilst disqualified and for using a car without third party insurance.

Pauline Lambert, prosecuting, told the hearing: “The driver, Mr Cook, told the officers he was moving the car for a friend and should not be driving because he was previously disqualified.

“On February 17 he was given a 22 month disqualification for driving with excess alcohol and no insurance. There are three previous no insurance offences.”

Richard Williams, defending, said: “Mr Cook was never arrested in relation to this matter. He was stopped by the police and interviewed in the back of the police car. He made full and frank admissions that he had been driving. He accepts he was stupid on this occasion.

“His friend had bought a car from Hoopers Place. During the day the friend was told it could be left on the seller’s driveway but the friend was later told by the wife of the seller it would be scrapped if it wasn’t moved.

“He was asked by the friend to drive the car and he foolishly said yes. That person is no longer a friend.

“He accepts however he should never have drove and takes full responsibility for that.”

The court was also told Cook is currently serving community orders for previous convictions and has been carrying out unpaid work at the Barnardo’s donation centre in Cavendish Square.

Mr Williams said it was having a positive effect on his client and the charity has given him a glowing reference and is hoping to offer him a full-time position.

Chairman of the bench June May told Cook: “For driving whilst disqualified we will ban you from driving for a further 18 months in addition to your current disqualification.

“We make no order for costs because of you being on universal credit.”

Cook must also carry out 60 hours of unpaid work and pay an £85 victim surcharge, which will be deducted from his benefits.