CZECH immigrant Miroslav Balog escaped a driving ban when he appeared before Rochdale magistrates accused of driving without insurance or a test certificate.

Father-of-three Balog, aged 27, of Whittle Street, Worsley, had previously been convicted in his absence on using a Nissan Sunny in Tweedale Street, Rochdale, without insurance or an MOT and the bench could have banned him.

But magistrates instead decided to fine Balog a total of £140 with £42 court costs and added six penalty points to his licence.

Balog who was driving on a Czech driving licence, was assisted by an interpreter during the proceedings.