A father from Warwickshire who lied to police about his name when he was caught driving while disqualified has been jailed – separating him from his wife with cancer and two children.

Magistrates usually only fine and give motoring penalties to drivers who are caught behind the wheel when they are banned.

But Stuart Marshall, of Woodhead Road, lied about his name, claiming he was called "Ashley Kibler" and another fake name when he was caught in London Road, Coventry on Saturday (13 August), before finally revealing his real name.

He was also caught with £170 worth of cocaine and admitted  driving while disqualified and possessing Class A drugs at Coventry Magistrates' Court.

His lawyer Charlotte de Rosnay told the judge there were times when Marshall didn't understand that he was banned from driving.

She said that Marshall wanted rehabilitation support and help to prevent him from offending again.

Marshall's wife has been diagnosed with cancer and the family were recently burgled, she added.

"His wife tells me he has attained his provisional licence and taken the test but failed with one error."

But District Judge Mehta told Marshall "you know what's coming."

"You put forward through your solicitor that you want to support your family. You should have thought of that before you got into a car.

"You know full well you are disqualified, you know full well you are not able to pass your test. Not only on this occasion but on numerous previous occasions."

Marshall was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison for two counts of driving while disqualified, breaking a suspended sentence for driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and possession of Class A drugs.

As he left the courtroom he mouthed to his wife "I'll see you later."