AN ELPHINSTONE delivery driver was caught behind the wheel of his car on the same day he had been banned from driving.

James Hogg, of South Elphinstone Cottages, was banned from driving for six months for having no insurance during an appearance at Edinburgh Justice of the Peace Court on November 21 last year.

But despite the new road ban, Hogg then decided to drive his vehicle from Edinburgh to Tranent just hours after he had been ordered not to drive.

Hogg was subsequently caught by police officers, who had been alerted to a separate crime involving a car similar to the one the banned driver was travelling in.

The 52-year-old delivery driver is now facing a possible jail term after he admitted the offence at the Capital’s sheriff court last Wednesday.

Fiscal depute Nathan Gale said that police pulled Hogg over at about 11pm on November 21, as he was a driving a similar vehicle to one that had been reported to them for an earlier offence.

Mr Gale said: “On the same date [Hogg had been banned], police on mobile patrol saw the accused’s vehicle on South Laverockbank Avenue, Edinburgh, and, after pulling him over, approached the accused in the driver’s seat.

“The police conducted a PNC check on the vehicle and it revealed there was no insurance for the vehicle. The police also did a person check on the accused but at the time it did not show he was a disqualified driver – this came to light at a later date.”

Solicitor Mark Harrower said that his client had “moved the vehicle as he had not expected to be banned” last November, and the vehicle he had been caught in was used for making deliveries.

The lawyer said that Hogg usually parked his car outside a home in Edinburgh, but lived in Tranent.

Mr Harrower added: “He was driving on the same day as he was banned and I realise custody will be considered among other things.”

Sheriff Kenneth Maciver said: “Mr Hogg, I think you fully understand the position now, and that the orders of the court on disqualification are to be obeyed and when they are not it is a serious matter.”

He deferred sentence to April 26 for reports.