A BUILDER who has 17 previous convictions for driving while banned has been sent to prison for five months by Kidderminster magistrates.

Patrick Berry had defied three and four-year bans imposed by crown court judges and had served previous jail terms, said prosecutor Mark Soper.

Police who recognised him at the wheel of his car in Chester Road followed him and arrested him.

His last ban, following a conviction for dangerous driving, was due to expire next March, provided he took a new test, Mr Soper said.

John Rogers, for Berry, said he believed his ban had expired.

For the first time in many years he was in sight of the time when he could apply for a new licence.

The magistrates did not extend Berry's disqualification period.