A former taxi firm boss who agreed when a driver lied to the police and then later made a statement to the same effect, has been jailed for three months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Harry Bell, the man whose name was given to officers, had to suffer the humiliation of appearing before magistrates accused of an offence and a judge told defendant Parvez Akhtar, 28, he had to go to custody.

Recorder Kevin Talbot added he was unable to accept his counsel's claim he committed the offence out of a misplaced sense of loyalty.

Akhtar, of Whittle Street, Rawtenstall, had denied attempting to pervert the course of justice, but had recently been convicted by a jury.

David Riddell, prosecuting, said police stopped a car in Burnley in which the defendant was the passenger.

The driver gave the name of Harry Bell and Akhtar said the same. When the defendant was arrested, he said he had made a mistake, but could not explain how.

Angelina Dennett, defending, said Akhtar had now sold his business.