A MAN who pleaded guilty to refusing to give the name of a driver suspected of committing an offence has avoided a ban.

Simon Slater, of Benson Walk, Wilmslow, appeared at Tameside Magistrates’ Court when the case was heard on June 21.

The defendant had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing on February 27.

An officer from Greater Manchester Police had requested the name of the driver of a Vauxhall Astra in Manchester on September 5, last year.

The 58-year-old is alleged to have been guilty of a road traffic offence, the court heard.

After listening to mitigating circumstances, magistrates decided not to impose a totting qualification.

Slater told the court that he had secured a job and needed to drive.

If he lost his licence, he said he could not afford to pay his rent and this would cause ‘exceptional hardship’ for his family.

The defendant was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £48 victim surcharge.

Magistrates endorsed his driving licence with six points.

Slater was granted permission to pay the £253 court penalty in monthly instalments of £40 starting on August 18.