A DISQUALIFIED driver was put in prison for three weeks for driving to the shops during a ban with children in the car.

Mark Young of Farmhill Place in Saltcoats was described as “idiotic” by his lawyer as he could’ve easily made the walk to get groceries but instead drove while he wasn’t allowed on May 13.

The 22-year-old will now have to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and faces a further ban.

Deput e Fiscal Ed Sheeran told Ayr Sheriff Court that Young was caught by nearby police who saw him drive to the shops in a black Mercedes.

Defending, Robert Logan told the court: “He had an opportunity for working. He took the monumentally stupid decision to take the car out to the shops to get food with children in the car.”

Sheriff John Montgomery was startled at this, telling Mr Logan: “He could’ve walked to the shops.”

Mr Logan agreed: “Yes, he is a young fit man. He knows it was idiotic and could have easily saved himself three weeks in custody.”

Young was released from prison but will now have to take up 180 hours of unpaid work for the community which he must complete within six months. He was banned from driving for 12 months.

Sheriff Montgomery told Young: “I do hope that the taste you’ve had of custody has changed your mind of certain things you should be doing.”