A BANNED Carlisle driver illegally borrowed his girlfriend’s car because he was late for work, a court heard.

The lawyer for 24-year-old tyre fitter Charlie Stark, caught by police as he drove to his job in Denton Holme, said he will now cycle to work as he was unable to "fly like Iron Man", the Marvel Comics superhero.

The defendant, of Percy Road, Longsowerby, admitted disqualified driving, taking a vehicle without consent, driving while not insured, and possessing cannabis.

George Shelley, prosecuting at Carlisle’s Rickergate court, said police caught the defendant as he drove his partner’s Vaxhall Zafira along Dalston Road on April 10. “Checks showed that a female was the only person permitted to drive it,” said the lawyer.

“The defendant admitted that he’d lost his licence and that he was not insured. He said he’s taken his girlfriend’s car in order to get to work.” Stark also admitted to the officers that he had some cannabis in his rucksack as well as a cannabis grinder.

Anthony Wilson, defending, said Stark divided his time between his Percy Road address and his partner’s home in Dalston. “On this day, she was in the shower, and he was late for work,” explained Mr Wilson.

“He was already on a last warning for being late and he made the wrong decision to take the car, driving it from Dalston to Junction Street where he works as a tyre fitter.”

Commenting on the inevitable ban that Stark faces, Mr Wilson added: “He’s not Iron Man and is not going to fly to work, so he’s bought a bicycle, which might be a benefit for him in the future when going to work.”

Magistrates imposed a six month ban, which combined with his previous ban makes a total disqualification of 20-month; and also a community order which includes 60 hours of unpaid work in the community and 10 rehabilitation activity days.

Stark must also pay £85 cost and a £154 victim surcharge.