A MAN who twice gave a schoolfriend's details to police and got a caution in his name has walked free from court.

Mohammed Usman, 27, gave officers the date of birth and address of his friend of the same name, and the other Mr Usman got a caution against him for possessing a bladed instrument because of the defendant's lies, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Usman was told by a judge he deserved jail - but the prisons were too full to put him in as well.

Judge Beverley Lunt said: "I trust you will be making profuse apologies to your friend who you dragged into this. It's absolutely disgraceful."

Usman, of Forest Street, Burnley, admitted two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. He was given 24 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, with 150 hours unpaid work, and six points on his licence.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said Usman was stopped riding a moped by police on April 24. He gave the name Mohammed Usman, but the date of birth of a Mohammed Usman a year younger, as well as the other man's address.

The other Mohammed Usman received a summons and, having got it, made inquiries with friends.

Mr Usman spoke to the defendant who readily accepted he had given his details, and had also given his details on another occasion.