A DUNFERMLINE pensioner who has repeatedly ignored a lifetime driving ban is behind bars yet again.

Robert Murphy, 71, of Inchkeith Drive, admitted that on Monday, he drove while disqualified in that street and without insurance.

Murphy was jailed last December for eight months for a similar offence but was given early release in April.

He was caught back behind the wheel by police and appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

Depute fiscal Dev Kapadia said: “Police were on mobile patrol and came across a car being driven by the accused in Inchkeith Drive.

“It had stopped and the driver was slumped over to the passenger seat trying to avoid being seen and was recognised by the police officers.”

Defence solicitor Roshni Joshi said: “He accepts that his record leaves the court with absolutely no alternative to custody.”

She said her client had been given hope at one time by a now deceased sheriff that if he took part in courses and programmes his life ban may eventually be lifted.

He had done the courses but when he returned to court, another sheriff took a different view and the ban remained in place.

Ms Joshi said her client will now miss his daughter’s wedding.

Sheriff Robert Dickson sent Murphy back to jail to serve the remaining 70 days on his current sentence. After that he will be served another eight months for his latest offence.