A TEENAGER from Winsford who drove a car while disqualified has been given one last chance after magistrates decided against sending him to prison.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was told by magistrates in Northwich Youth Court last Wednesday that they could have sent him into custody but instead decided to issue him with an intensive supervision and surveillance package (ISSP).

The boy was spotted driving a Vauxhall Cavalier erratically along Dene Drive by a police officer at around 1.30pm on September 11 - less than two months after he was banned from driving.

Chris Johnson, defending, said: "It's been weighing very heavily on his mind and he's very worried indeed.

"It was thoughtless, stupid behaviour and not a deliberate criminal act.

"It isn't the case that it's so serious that only custody will do."

The boy's father told magistrates that he will ensure his son finds employment in the near future.

He said: "He's been driving me crackers.

"I will make sure he goes out looking for work even if I have to drive him to the factories myself."

Kenneth Ashley, chairman of the bench, warned the 17-year-old that he will be sent to prison if he fails to comply with a 12-month community rehabilitation order which will include the ISSP.

He said: "Court orders have to be followed and consequently we feel the custody threshold has been passed.

"However we are not going to do that today.

"You must understand the reason we have given you the ISSP - it's the most severe sentence we can give you without going into custody.

"If you breach the order you will be brought back to court and the next court won't be so sympathetic.

"We have dealt with you leniently today and we hope you won't let us down."