A MAN'S 'selfish actions' in giving false details to police, resulted in an innocent person being convicted of driving offences.

A court heard that Nasser Mahmood used another man's name, having been stopped in a Porsche, because he knew there was a warrant against him for not paying fines.

He was given 10 weeks prison for his crime by a judge who told him such wrongdoing "strikes at the root of the system of justice".

Mahmood, 27, of Apple Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Preston Crown Court heard how he was stopped in September 2005 and given a form for him to produce his driving documents to police.

He gave a false name to police - Yasser Akbar.

Miss Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said Mr Akbar had been the subject of several false summonses in relation to driving matters although there was nothing to link Mahmood with the other matters.

However, as a result of the defendant's actions that day, Mr Akbar had a summons issued in his name. He subsequently had to attend Blackburn Magistrates' Court.

He even went through a trial, at the end of which he was convicted as being the driver.

Mr Akbar went on to appeal the conviction at Preston Crown Court last June.