A MOTORIST whose friend was summoned to appear in court after he lied to police has kept his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Imran Hussain, 20, told the "most elaborate set of lies," after he was stopped by officers and gave the friend's details -- and a judge told him people had gone to jail for doing just what he did.

Judge Lesley Newton gave the defendant 120 hours community service and told him if he did not do it he would go to jail.

Hussain, of Princess Street, Nelson, had admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and not having insurance.

David Bentley, prosecuting, said a police officer was suspicious after the defendant gave his details.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Hussain was trying to avoid detection for driving without insurance and he gave a former schoolfriend's name.

Police very quickly put two and two together after the friend was summoned.

The defendant had been extremely foolish but once a person had dug a hole they sometimes found it very difficult to get out of it. Hussain was not heavily convicted and was looking for work.