LABOUR peer Lord Ahmed has been handed a temporary driving ban until he is fully sentenced in three weeks.
He will be automatically disqualified from driving at his full sentencing hearing.
The disgraced politician, who was appointed to the House of Lords in 1998 and became the first Muslim peer of modern times, refused to comment but his solicitor Steve Smith spoke of the unpaid work he does.
He told how the peer's forthright views had even led to a fatwa death threat being issued against him.
Lord Ahmed, a former Rotherham councillor who became one of Tony Blair's first "people's peers" to represent the views of ordinary people, does not shy away from expressing often controversial views.
He has called for cuts on the number of immigrants because of the pressures placed on public services.
He has also spoken out against Muslim women wearing the niqab covering their faces, claiming it is barrier against integration.
He also condemned a plan to lock up terror suspects for 42 days without charge as an "outrageous proposal", saying it would "play into the hands of extremist groups" and "increase anti-Muslim feelings".
A fatwa was issued against Lord Ahmed after he spoke out about terrorism and the war with Iraq.
Mr Smith said: "He is the voice of reason in difficult times. He is a man who because of his forthright views on terrorism and violence has been outspoken and been the subject of a fatwa.
"He is a man who gives so much for his local community. He is not salaried in his position as a peer.
"The awards he has been given for his humanitarian work have been heralded worldwide."
Text peer faces jail
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The full article contains 332 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.