A man ignored his driving ban to search for his machete-wielding brother, a court heard.

Mohammad Shafiq committed the offence while subject to a suspended prison sentence for previously driving whilst disqualified.

Kirklees magistrates told the 21-year-old that they should have jailed him but listened to his solicitor who said there was clear mitigation in his case.

Shafiq, of Trinity Street in Greenhead was injured as he tried to calm his brother down.

He pleaded guilty to charges of driving whilst disqualified, using a vehicle without insurance and willfully obstructing a police constable in the execution of his duty.

Magistrates heard that police were called to Shafiq’s family home on in the early morning of July 20.

They heard that there was an ongoing disturbance there and found Shafiq with a cut hand.

He told them that his brother had left following an argument.

Police conducted an area search and Shafiq also left in a white Mercedes with friends.

When he returned he was driving the vehicle at speed and gave false details to the officers when asked his name.

Further enquiries revealed that Shafiq was subject to a driving ban until he passes an extended test.

Magistrates heard that earlier that evening Shafiq’s brother had been attacked by a gang.

He then went back to the house to arm himself with a machete before rowing with Shafiq, magistrates heard.

Zahid Majeed, mitigating, said: “He (Shafiq) was out with friends when he received a call from his very worried mum telling him that his brother was shouting and had a machete.

“He was running about the house (with it) and when he got home he (Shafiq) was confronted by his brother.

“There was a struggle and he was trying to calm his brother down when he received a significant cut to his hand.”

Mr Majeed said that when police arrived his client was able to tell police where his brother was.

Shafiq was then driven by friends to help with the search but drove the car back himself.

Mr Majeed added: “He realised he’d driven whilst disqualified, panicked and told police the wrong details.”

Shafiq was already subject to a suspended sentence after ignoring his driving ban previously.

Magistrates gave him 200 hours of unpaid work as a direct alternative to custody.

They banned him from driving for a further 24 months and told him to pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge.