A DISQUALIFIED driver got behind the wheel of his car because his daughter had a miscarriage, a court heard.

Stephen Wookey, of Little Park, Droitwich, was banned in 2004 for driving under the influence of alcohol.

However, on December 28 last year he drove his Volkswagen Golf to collect his daughter, who had suffered an ectopic pregnancy, from hospital.

At Worcester Magistrates Court Mark Johnson, prosecuting, said the 45-year-old was stopped by police on the A38.

"The front seat passenger was his daughter," said Mr Johnson.

"She'd had a miscarriage and his intention was to drive her home to Droitwich but, as she was upset, he drove past Droitwich allowing her to calm down."

Mark Sheward, defending, told the court Mr Wookey's daughter's miscarriage was "the final straw" for his client.

"For a period of months now Mr Wookey has been living on the edge," said Mr Sheward.

"There was the breakdown of his marriage, looking after three children, his newborn son who is quite sick and the maintenance of a new relationship."

Deputy District Judge John Begley made Wookey subject to a six month community order and a four-month curfew meaning he must stay inside between 9pm and 5am.

Wookey was also disqualified from driving for another 12 months.