SINGLE dad Simon Gregory escaped a jail sentence after admitting he drove while disqualified because he needed to pick up his daughter. Instead, 39-year-old Gregory was ordered to carry out 275 hours of unpaid community work – but was warned that jail was

SINGLE dad Simon Gregory escaped a jail sentence after admitting he drove while disqualified because he needed to pick up his daughter.

Instead, 39-year-old Gregory was ordered to carry out 275 hours of unpaid community work - but was warned that jail was still an option if he failed the task.

"You are very fortunate not to go into prison," he was told by Kathy Bradney, presiding magistrate at Ely courthouse on Thursday. "If you breach the order no allowances will be made and you will go to prison.

"We are appalled at your driving record - your blatant disregard of the law causes us great concern."

Gregory, of Barkhams Lane, Littleport, admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance on January 31.

He also admitted driving without insurance or an MoT certificate on July 23 and September 13 last year. He had a previous conviction for driving while disqualified.

Gregory was banned from driving for three years. His outstanding fines totalling £3,252 were reduced to £1,000 and he was ordered to pay the debt from his benefit.