A man who has not held a driving licence since 1995 was caught behind the wheel by police.
Liverpool Magistrates' Court heard this week that Stephen Murphy was pulled over on Dunningsbridge Road in Netherton on Saturday, September 24, after officers noted his Citroen Dispatch van had a brake light out. Checks then revealed that the 58-year-old had been banned from driving 27 years ago for drink with the requirement to pass an extended retest.
He has failed to apply for his licence, however. Murphy has nine previous convictions for 27 offences, 21 of which have been for driving matters - although he has not been in trouble with the law since 2003.
READ MORE: Homophobic killers who tortured doctor to death have sentence appeal refused
The court was told that he had suffered two strokes in the past 10 years and his "memory of life before that is very hazy". The defendant was said to "vaguely remember being banned from driving", but did not remember being told to take a retest.
Murphy, of Hyde Road in Manchester, admitted driving while disqualified and driving without insurance during an earlier hearing. He was handed a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 15 days on Tuesday.
Magistrates also imposed a new six-month ban, fined him £120 and told him to pay a victim surcharge.
READ NEXT: Snapchat pervert sent vile 'spanking' messages to '12-year-old girl'
Man spent afternoon drinking with neighbour before stabbing him to death
David Ungi to face murder trial next year over Vinny Waddington shooting
Kingpin jailed over £4billion drug plot fails in bid for cushier prison conditions
