A MAN caught defying a driving ban within three months of release from prison for a trio of similar offences was locked up again yesterday.

Harrogate magistrates remanded Colin Stewart in custody until October 26 so probation reports can be prepared before he is sentenced.

The remand came in spite of a plea by his solicitor Geoffrey Rogers to allow him his liberty so he could keep a pair of jobs, doing bar work in the town's Majestic and Crown hotels.

Mr Rogers said Stewart got up late for a 10am shift and, because he had been warned about poor time-keeping, had borrowed a car belonging to a friend who had spent the night at his home.

He had worked his shift at the Crown and was taking the car back to his friend when police stopped him.

Stewart, 29, of Mayfield Grove, Harrogate, admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance, and also pleaded guilty to obstructing police by giving them a false name - that of his father - and a made-up date of birth.

Mr Rogers said Stewart, who had been released from prison in July after a five-month sentence for three counts of driving while banned, gave false details because he knew that, otherwise, there was a chance of him going back to prison.