A FORMER soldier who got behind the wheel just three months after being disqualified from driving has avoided being sent to prison.

James Douglas, 50, of Holdcroft Close, Blunsdon, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

He pleaded guilty to both offences which occurred on July 28 on Ermin Street, Blunsdon.

The court heard that Douglas, who served 18 years with the Scots Guards, had been relying on getting lifts with friends or his wife since his disqualification.

After being let down for a lift on the night in question, and fearing he may lose a newly acquired job, he decided to drive himself to work.

District Judge Simon Cooper told Douglas that the offence was so serious that the sentencing guidelines would put the start point at a custodial sentence, however there were reasons for not taking that route.

He said: “This is an early breach of a recently imposed ban. You’re a man of previous good character with a single alcohol conviction.

“You served your country in the Scots Guards with distinction for 18 years, you’ve come to Swindon to work, you’ve pleaded guilty, I give you credit for all of those things.

“That means I dip below the sentencing guidelines to impose a community order.”

Sentencing Douglas to 100 hours of unpaid work, the judge added: “You should turn up to work, you should work to the required standard and you should show a lead to the younger members who are on the same detail as you.”

Douglas will also be required to pay a £200 fine, a £30 victim surcharge and £85 towards the prosecution costs. He will be banned from driving for 24 months.