A man who was stopped by police while he was driving gave them his brother’s details in an attempt to avoid punishment.

Hamzah Rehman, 25, was stopped shortly before 10.30am on December 3, 2021, by a police officer in Blackburn.

The officer noticed a flat tyre on the Vauxhall Vectra Rehman was driving, and when he spoke to the defendant, he was told Rehman had bought the car a month ago and did not have his licence on him.

Hanifa Patel, prosecuting, said Rehman apologised to the officer, saying he did not realise the state the tyre was in.

When asked to give his details, he provided the name, date of birth, and address of his brother, Nadeem.

On August 21, 2022, Nadeem appeared before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court and told them he was not the driver.

The case against Nadeem was dropped and, and the officer then identified Hamzah Rehman as the driver when reviewing the footage.

In interview on May 19, 2023, Rehman made full admissions to his offence and said he gave his brother’s details because he “panicked and didn’t want to get into trouble” as he was not insured to drive the vehicle.

Kimberley Obrusik, mitigating, said her client “buried his head in the sand and hoped it would all go away,” and that he has apologised to his brother.

Rehman, of Tenby Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to one count of perverting the course of justice.

He was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months, by Judge Ian Unsworth at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday (July 16).

He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work.