A LEARNER driver who told police it was his brother at the wheel of his BMW when he was stopped has been jailed for four months.

Neil Manly, who held only a provisional licence but had already racked up six penalty points, took the car for a spin, only to be spotted by a policeman.

Knowing the 21-year-old was not qualified and had previous motoring offences to his name, the officer – who was on foot – reported the incident to police HQ.

Manly sped away from the scene and laid low for a few hours until he returned to his mother’s address, Oxford Crown Court was told.

Police arrested him on his return to Marlborough Road, Banbury, but he told them his brother Ian had in fact been driving the car.

Both men were then arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, with Neil Manly also being charged with driving without a licence and insurance following the incident on February 16.

He admitted the charges on Friday.

He was sentenced to four months in prison and banned from driving for six months.

Ian Manly is due to appear at the same court later this month on a charge of perverting the course of justice.