A MOTORIST with a history of driving offences has narrowly avoided prison - because magistrates believe he is going to change his ways.

William Sleaford was stopped by police when he was driving along Trull Road, Taunton, while disqualified.

At the time of the offence on November 3 last year, he was also under the influence of a drug, was uninsured and was in control of a car that had false number plates.

Sleaford, 44, of West Street, South Molton, pleaded guilty to all four offences when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court.

He was handed two three-month prison sentences and one one-month jail term. The sentences are all suspended for 12 months and are to run concurrently.

He was banned from driving for 12 months for the drug driving offence.

He received no separate penalty for the insurance offence. But he must also carry out 80 hours unpaid work.

Sleaford must also pay a £122 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Magistrates told him they were imposing the sentences due to a "history of similar offending behaviour", the fact he was banned at the time, his drug driving and "a deliberate action to avoid detection" by using false number plates.

But they decided to suspend the prison sentences as they believe "there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation".