A PROLIFIC driving offender, who has been banned from the roads nine times before, has been told he needs to 'grow up’ after being handed a 12 week prison sentence.

Douglas Ward, of Palmdale Gardens, Great Sankey, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance on the A56 Daresbury.

He also admitted to stealing £40 worth of petrol on August 17 from Green Oaks Way in Widnes.

The court heard how the 45-year-old, who has 39 convictions for 78 offences, was disqualified in 2012 after pleading guilty to drink driving.

But he still got behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Zafira on August 23 because he was stressed and depressed after his caravan had been destroyed by a group of men, who are currently remanded in custody.

Chairman of the bench, Michael Danaher said: "You are a 45-year-old man and you need to grow up."

Ward was also given a 12 month driving ban at at Halton Magistrates Court on Thursday.