fault of the Transport Control Department, according to administration manager, Mr. Val Caesar.

Mr. Caesar yesterday defended the actions of the department in returning the licence to Kevin Smith.

Smith claimed in Magistrates' Court earlier this week that he had forgotten when he could return to driving after being banned in 1991. He said he had been told by Police that his ban ended on April 1, 1992. In fact, it was April, 1993. He went to TCD and his licence was returned.

Then, on November 25, the 21-year-old, of Sunset View Boulevard in Pembroke, was caught speeding and made a false statement to Police. It was then discovered that his driving disqualification was still in place.

Smith was given a two month prison sentence, suspended for two years, fines totalling $850 and his ban was stretched to April, 1995.

Mr. Caesar said that the TCD computer was linked to Police and Magistrates' Court computers but could not be relied on to show all bans.

He said: "It is not up to our department to impose disqualifications. We do not have that authority.

"All we can say is that if there is some doubt, check with the courts before going back on the roads.

"In this case the man knew he was off the road and should have contacted the court who imposed the disqualification.''