A MAN has been given a suspended jail sentence for flouting a driving ban - just five days after it was imposed.
Paul Hague, 52, took a chance because he felt lonely after splitting up from his wife, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.
Hague, who was seen driving from a pub about 100 yards from his home in Hough Lane, Wombwell, was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for a year.
Jack Danaher, defending, said Hague, who suffers from severe arthritis, had been drinking too much and wanted to go out because he was on his own.
Mr Danaher said: "He decided to take a risk only a few days after being banned from driving.
"He would be vulnerable if he was sent straight to prison because of his health. He feels isolated and a second driving ban would be a severe punishment.
"He was stopped by police coming out the car park of a pub 100 yards away from where he lives."
Deputy District Judge Margaret McCormack said she was imposing the suspended sentence because she was 'heartened' that Hague was getting help about his drinking.
Hague was banned from driving for three years, ordered to undergo 12 months of supervision, had to pay £85 in costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
He admitted driving while banned, drink driving, having no insurance and breaching a 12-month conditional discharge.
