A MAN who had been banned from driving for being behind the wheel while disqualified had his ban extended for two more years after admitting doing it for the SIXTH time.

Lee Fitchett of Shenton Court, Upper Stratton, was given a 12 week prison sentence suspended for 24 months and ordered to pay £500 in costs plus £115 to victim services. The repeat offender was also given a 12-week curfew and a community order with a requirement of 30 rehab activity days.

Fitchett has five previous convictions for driving whilst disqualified and was back in Swindon Magistrates' Court on Monday to be sentenced for his sixth.

The 35-year-old had previously pleaded not guilty to the most recent charge but changed his plea to guilty on January 24.

Chairman of the bench Christine Smith heard evidence from a representative for the probation services which suggested that, despite Fitchett’s frequent flouting of the law and apparent disregard for disqualification, he was starting to comply with them and wanted to change his ways.

When giving her verdict, Miss Smith warned that if he hadn’t shown this change of attitude, he would have been jailed.

Fitchett’s newest crime was driving along Hobley Drive on November 9 whilst disqualified from driving. Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, said: “Apparently, the vehicle had been taken from an address during a burglary. There is no evidence to suggest that he was involved in this burglary.

“The vehicle was captured on an ANPR system on Hobley Drive. It was quickly located by the police.

“CCTV showed the defendant driving it and parking it at the shops.

“In interview, he replied ‘No comment’ to all questions.

“He had been disqualified from driving for 12 months in February 2017 for driving whilst disqualified.”

Mark Glendenning, defending, said: “It’s a bit late in the day but he has taken steps to address his behaviour, for which he gives no excuse.

“He has also worked with all agencies – CGL, mental health, and probation.

“Please consider a suspended sentence so that he can continue this work.”

If Fitchett commits another crime at any point during he next two years, magistrates will activate his sentence and could face 12 weeks in jail.

It wouldn’t be his first time in prison - in 2015, he was jailed for threatening behaviour and criminal damage.