A WINDOW cleaner who drove while disqualified escaped a prison sentence yesterday so he could continue his business.

David Dove, 29, of East Mount Road, Darlington, had pleaded guilty at a previous court hearing to driving while disqualified.

Yesterday, Darlington Magistrates' Court gave Dove an 18-month community rehabilitation order and a six-month driving ban, which will run at the same time as his existing ban, and he was fined £50.

In June last year, Dove had been jailed and banned from driving for three years for various driving offences.

The court heard that eighteen months later, on October 20, Dove drove a van because his employee, who usually drove, had called in sick.

When he was stopped by a police officer, Dove initially gave a false name - but later gave the officer his correct name and admitted he was driving while disqualified.

Defending, Graham Hunsley, said: "Dove clearly hoped he would gain some temporary advantage in giving a false name; the vehicle is a necessity for the job.

"He saw the day's takings going down the drain unless he turned up to do the window cleaning job.

"This is his second attempt at running a business and one wonders that if he could pick himself up and start again should he be deprived of his liberty?"