A DISQUALIFIED driver has been jailed after flouting his ban.

Police were called to Swallow Close, Dovercourt, and found Darren Gillanders drunk.

His bag was searched and a bag of cannabis was discovered, as well as some car keys.

Checks showed he was not registered to drive after never passing an extended retest following a previous ban.

Police asked the 47-year-old to take a breath test which he refused.

Gillanders, of Pill Box Walk, Colchester, admitted driving while disqualified, possession of cannabis and failing to provide a specimen during a Colchester Magistrates' Court hearing.

Selena Dines, mitigating, said Gillanders had been suffering from severe mental health issues at the time of the incident last month and had fully accepted he had driven despite not being caught behind the wheel.

Magistrates decided to jail him for 12 weeks and handed out a fresh three year driving ban for when he is released.

He must also pay a £122 victim surcharge.