A DRIVER with 12 previous convictions for driving while disqualified was given a 22 week prison sentence after admitting a 13th offence.

Shane Watson, 21, admitted the charge, along with having no insurance and obstructing a police officer.

Marion Langford, prosecuting, told Swindon Magistrates Court that Watson, of Yeovil Close, gave false details when police stopped him.

He was arrested and taken to the police station where he gave the correct details and officers discovered he was still under a disqualification.

She said he had 12 previous convictions for driving while disqualified, four for obstructing police and others for having no insurance.

Defending, Lee Mott said Watson had convictions for dishonesty, which were a result of his heroin addiction and had experienced around 10 periods of custody.

Mr Mott asked that Watson be considered for a drug treatment and testing order.

His girlfriend was also pregnant, which was one of the reasons why he wanted to address his problems.

But the bench imprisoned Watson and disqualified him for six months, to run concurrently with his previous ban, which is in force until July 2004.