A MAN has been charged with perverting the course of justice after allegedly telling a court that four members of his family had died in a car crash.

Sean Wilson, 21, is accused of lying about the crash, which police claim never took place.

An investigation began after information was given to them by the Lancashire Telegraph.

They have since thanked the newspaper for bringing the matter to their attention.

Last month magistrates were told that Wilson, of Angela Street, Blackburn, had lost his partner, two children and sister in a crash on October 8.

Wilson, who was caught driving while banned in Haslingden, had been facing prison.

But he was given an 18-month community order with supervision, 200 hours' unpaid work and six points on his licence.

The bench told the defendant that they were fully aware of his circumstances and had taken it into account.

DC Dave Hindle, of Burnley CID, said: "Sean Wilson, a 21-year-old male from Blackburn has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

"He has been interviewed by officers and answered bail today at Burnley Police Station where he was charged with the offence.

"He is due before Burnley Magistrates later this month."

DC Hindle said that Wilson was arrested as a "direct result" of information that had been passed to police by the Lancashire Telegraph.

The court was told that daughters Stacey, two, and Lucy, one, Wilson's partner Christine, 21, and his sister Stevie, 13, had all died in a crash in the Lake District.

Wilson admitted driving while disqualified, using an uninsured vehicle with no MOT, but said he forgot to go to court because of the tragedy.

He is due to appear before Burnley Magistrates on January 28.