A 28-YEAR-OLD man who has never taken a driving test but has been banned from driving seven times has escaped jail after admitted a speeding offence.

Andrew John Simpson, of Winsford, was caught driving at 46mph in a 30mph zone by police.

He made matters worse by giving a false name and address, which resulted in a Northwich pensioner having to attending a police station after a summons was sent to his house.

The defendant, who lives in Pulford Road, pleaded guilty to seven offences, which took place on September 15 and October 23, when he appeared at Vale Royal Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Simon Pover, prosecuting, told the court that a police officer using a hand-held camera clocked Simpson doing 46mph on the 30mph Wharton Road in a white Ford Escort on September 15.

He said: 'The officer stopped the car and spoke to the driver. He gave his details as Andrew John Such and gave an address in Northwich and a date of birth in 1976. He was cautioned and was told the police would be in touch.

'On October 23 an elderly man entered Winsford police station regarding the incident but it was clearly not the man who had been stopped. Enquires then led officers to an address on Bramble Close in Winsford and outside the address was the car which had been caught speeding.

'A female was spoken to but she was very unhelpful and refused to give the police any details. A blue Ford Escort then came on to the street and stopped outside the property. The police officer recognised the driver [as Simpson] and he was arrested.

'He started to struggle and was swearing and shouting. The situation escalated to a point where the officer had to use CS spray. He was then handcuffed and taken to Northwich police station.'

Mr Pover said the defendant had a 'fairly extensive' record and was dis-qualified for the seventh time in September 2001 - despite never having passed his test in the first place.

Matthew Brennan, defending, told the court: 'My client has given me strong instructions that the name was made up on the spot. The man was an elderly gentleman - if he was attempting deception he would have used someone more of his own age. He accepts he has probably caused distress to the gentleman who received the letter and has asked me to apologise.'

He added that Simpson now wants to take a driving test.

The magistrates ordered the defendant to complete a 100-hour community punishment order.

The chairman of the bench told him: 'This is the culmination of a history of motoring problems. It may be you consider yourself to be a reasonable driver but this needs to be tested by getting a licence.

'In legal terms, the most serious charge is resisting a police officer. This led to an innocent person finding on his doormat a summons to the police station. He was, quite understandably, upset. By no fault of his own, he had to go out of his way to sort this out.'

But he added: 'We have thought long and hard about it and you will not be going to prison today.'

Simpson was also disqualified from driving for two years. and ordered to pay a fine of £190 and £20 court costs.