A FORMER crack cocaine addict, who twice lied about his identity when he was caught behind the wheel by police, has been sent to prison for nine months.

Kenneth Brown gave officers the name, address and date of birth of a close friend because he did not have insurance or a driving licence.

But after hearing that he had misled the police in the past a judge told him there was no alternative but prison.

Stacey Turner, prose-cuting, told Swindon crown court that Brown was stopped while driving different cars on Friday, February 25, and Sunday, September 4, last year.

On both occasions he told police he was Michael John Walker and gave a date of birth and address which wasn't his.

"Summonses were produced on both occasions for not producing documents to Michael John Walker and he brought them to the attention of the police," she said.

After further investi-gation Brown was arrested in March this year and admitted what he had done.

"He said he had made a silly mistake in providing false details and acknowledged he had caused Mr Walker some stress and inconvenience."

Brown, of Shirley Close, Walcot, pleaded guilty to two counts of perverting the course of justice and two each of driving without insurance and a licence.

Miss Turner said that in February 2001 he was convicted of resisting a police officer which related to him giving false details to police.

Mark Ruffell, defending, said that his client had made full and frank admissions to what he had done and he had actually shown genuine remorse.

His main problem had been a seven year crack cocaine addiction, he said, and both times he was driving it was to get drugs.

He said that Brown had qualifications and he was capable of employment and leading a law-abiding life.

Mr Ruffell said that he was now living with his partner who had two children from a previous relationship and was pregnant with their own child.

Jailing him Judge Charles Wade said "What you did wasted police resources and this led to a completely innocent man being put to trouble.

"The court takes seriously those who attempt to pervert the course of justice."

Jamie Hill