A former transport manager caught defying a driving ban three times including two occasions on successive days, escaped a prison sentence yesterday.

Simon Peter Norwood was jailed two years ago when he was also disqualified from driving for three years for two offences of failing to provide breath speciments.

Speaking of his time in jail, his solicitor, Geoffrey Rogers told Harrogate magistrates in North Yorkshire: "He disliked it intensely. He is fearful of going back again. On the last occasion, it cost him his home and his business."

Norwood, 33, had been found guilty after three separate trials for three counts of driving while disqualified and three of not having insurance, during March.

Michael Hammond, prosecuting, said that on each occasion police had seen Norwood, of Hookstone Chase, Harrogate, driving a Ford Fiesta in Ripon Road. On the last occasion, at 9.30am, he had been found to have drunk twice the legal alcohol limit.

Norwood, who was also found guilty of drink-driving, was told by presiding magistrate Nancy Scruton that custody had been considered.

Instead, she ordered him to do 210 hours' community service, banned him from the driving for four years and ordered him to pay £560 costs.