Banned driver Kain Masey hopes that music will keep him on the right track.
He told a court that he could be signed by a Christian record label - but that jail would ruin that.
The plea was made by his solicitor Derek St Delroy Brown after the 27-year-old admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance.
Since being freed from prison, Masey had been able to find a home in Ilkeston Road in Radford.
Mr St Delroy Brown went on: "He could be signed by a Christian based record label.
"He has got a career in the music industry. He is sick and tired of his lifestyle and doesn't want to go back to prison because he has a lot to look forward to.
"He asks for one last opportunity," added Mr St Delroy Brown.
A six-week prison term, suspended for a year, was ordered for Masey who must do 80 hours community work. He was ordered to pay £122 government tax and £85 prosecution costs.
Deputy District Judge Vee Munro told him: "You are treading on thin ice."
Masey had been banned from the roads for dangerous driving and will have to take a tougher test if he wants get back behind the wheel.
Miss Munro told him: "When you take the test and pass the test, you can drive."
Masey replied: "I have got the message now, trust me."
Robert Carr, prosecuting, said that Masey was stopped while driving at 11.30am on October 20.
"A police officer carried out a check and the car was insured to a female. Obviously it was a man driving.
"He admitted he was disqualified and didn't have insurance," said Mr Carr.
When Macey was searched, a police officer found three small bags of cannabis in one of his pockets.
"He said it was his cannabis and he intended to smoke it," added Mr Carr.
Macey admitted having the drug which is to be destroyed.
