DEPRESSED warehouse worker Michael Cleaver escaped a prison sentence for riding his motorbike while banned after magistrates heard he had been suicidal at the time.

Cleaver, 23, of Pennine Close, Melksham, was caught by police riding his sporty Yamaha in Lowbourne, Melksham, on April 22.

He pleaded guilty at Trowbridge Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to driving while disqualified, without insurance and without an MOT certificate.

Charges of failing to produce a test certificate and having a defective tyre were withdrawn by the prosecution.

The court was told Cleaver was banned in December 1999 for 12 months.

Magistrates were told he became severely depressed when he lost his job, split up with his girlfriend, argued with his parents, and had to sell the mobile home he had bought. A doctor's report, read out to the court, revealed his GP had regarded him as being severely depressed and possibly suicidal.

Magistrates heard Cleaver had been working in a warehouse since Easter and had sold the motorbike.

He was banned for two months on each charge of driving while disqualified and without insurance. The ban will run concurrently with his existing disqualification.

He was also fined £300 for driving while banned.