GAZETTE & HERALD: A man who drove on the motorway while disqualified because his pregnant girlfriend was unwell appeared before Chippenham magistrates on Tuesday facing three charges.

Darrell Andreas, 22, of St Bartholomew's Terrace in Rochester, Kent, pleaded guilty to charges of driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and wilfully obstructing the police.

Marion Langford, prosecuting, said Andreas was stopped by a police patrol on the M4 near Brinkworth on October 4 because the car had irregular plates.

At first Andreas gave a false name and claimed he was called Terry Hutton. Then one of the passengers, a woman who was five months pregnant, said she was not feeling very well and she was taken to hospital.

Andreas was taken to the police station and en route gave his correct personal details.

Andreas had been banned from driving twice and was on a two-year ban at the time of the incident.

Edward Moore, defending, said Andreas and his girlfriend, who was pregnant with his second child, had a relative in South Wales who was very ill. They decided to visit and the girlfriend had intended to drive. However on the return journey she felt unwell and Andreas took over, even though he was banned.

Mr Moore said Andreas, who works as a labourer, stupidly and wrongly gave a false name because he was trying to avoid trouble.

Sentencing was adjourned for the preparation of reports until November 2. Andreas was released on unconditional bail.