[A] DRINK-driver who tried to deceive police by pretending to be his brother has been given a suspended jail term.
Alexander Derek Humphreys, 32, failed a roadside breath test while driving a Ford Transit van along Main Street in Cleator at around 10pm on January 13. But when quizzed by officers, Humphreys gave the name and date of birth of his sibling, Gareth, who was oblivious to any wrongdoing.
Alexander Humphreys continued to mislead officers when he attended a police station, but his seven-hour ruse ended when the lie was uncovered and he was arrested in the early hours of January 14.
At Carlisle Crown Court today (MON), Humphreys admitted drink-driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with his licence and also doing an act tending or intended to pervert the course of public justice.
Judge James Adkin heard Humphreys, of Ehen Road, Thornhill, Egremont, had “panicked” when asked for his details, and had been planning to own up before his arrest.
A four-month prison sentence was suspended for a year, and Humphreys must complete a rehabilitation requirement, a three-month curfew and a 12-month driving ban.