Rohan Nathan James Hall in Coffs Harbour court for driving without a licence

Police prosecutor told the court the man - struggling to keep his first job in 16 years - had “complete disregard for court orders”.

Rohan Nathan James Hall. Picture: Facebook

A man struggling to keep his first job in 16 years, after years of battling drug issues, has narrowly avoided being remanded in custody.

Rohan Nathan James Hall, 37, appeared via audio visual link before Coffs Harbour Local Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to driving without a licence.

He had been remanded in custody after being detected by police on Sunday, April 10, behind the wheel without a licence.

Magistrate Michael Dakin told the court it was the 11th time Hall had been picked up driving while disqualified.

Legal Aid lawyer John Hennessy told the court that Hall had recently found employment as a spray painter and was trying to get his life on track after years of “serious drug issues” and needed his licence to keep his job.

He “took the risk” to drive as his “partner was quite ill”.

It was his first job in 16 years, Mr Hennessy also told the court.

Police prosecutor Heidi Warren opposed the bail application saying “he has complete disregard for court orders” and had only recently completed a period of parole.

But Mr Dakin granted him bail on the condition he be of good behaviour and report to the Coffs Harbour Police Station on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

His matter has been listed for sentence on May 2.