A DISQUALIFIED driver caught behind the wheel in the early hours gave police a false name.

Blackburn magistrates heard Richard Phillip Nelson persisted with the lie even after he was arrested and taken to the police station.

And he only came clean after officers found a bank card in his wallet and used the name to obtain a photograph of him.

Nelson, 35, of Church Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance, with excess alcohol and obstructing a police officer. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and banned from driving for 36 months. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and £122 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said officers saw Nelson driving across the car park of the Talbot Hotel at 5.38am.

He gave false details before giving a positive roadside breath test and being arrested.

"He maintained the false name at the police station and when police found his bank card said it belonged to a friend," said Miss Allan.

Nick Dearing, defending, said it had been approaching the first anniversary of his client's death and he had gone drinking with a friend. Early in the morning he got a text message from his son which caused him some concern.

"He tried to get a taxi but then borrowed his friend's car to go home," said Mr Dearing. "He found himself in a bad situation and, in a panic, made it significantly worse for himself."