A HARD-WORKING teenager's desperation to keep his job - even though he often worked 118 hours a week - led him to disregard a court order, Harrogate magistrates heard yesterday.

The court was told by Geoffrey Rogers, representing 19-year-old Craig Johnson, who pleaded guilty to driving while banned and without insurance, that Johnson was working as a security officer at pylon construction sites all over the region.

Mr Rogers said Johnson was living in a chalet at the Quernhow Caf beside the A1, at Middleton Quernhow, near Ripon.

Because of his ban, his uncle had been driving him to work, which was near Selby.

But when his uncle went on holiday, Johnson, desperate not to miss his shift, borrowed a car and set off on his own. He was stopped by police in Boroughbridge.

Mr Rogers said Johnson found his job a short time after being released from prison in May, and was determined to keep it, even though it entailed long hours, sometimes as many as 118 in a week.

Johnson, who also admitted obstructing police by giving false details, was bailed until September 30 so probation reports could be prepared before he is sentenced.