A TEENAGER stopped driving a BMW carrying false number plates talked himself into custody after lying to police.

Blackburn magistrates heard the car had been stolen during a burglary at West Bradford, Clitheroe, and after giving false details Sultan Mukhtar was arrested on suspicion of that offence.

He eventually told police he had hired the car for £600 for one month from an unnamed Irish man he had met in Preston.

"He would have been better off telling the police the truth right from the start," said Basharat Ditta, defend-ing.

Mukhtar, 18, of Belmont Avenue, Preston, pleaded guilty to obstructing a police officer and driving without insurance and other than in accordance with a licence.

He was fined £350 with £75 costs and his licence endorsed with eight penalty points.

Claire Grant, prosecuting, said Mukhtar initially claimed the car belonged to his brother who lived in London.

"His brother was brought in and interviewed and he didn't have any knowledge of the vehicle," said Mrs Grant. "The defendant was interviewed again and this time said the car had been hired from the unnamed Irish man."

Basharat Ditta, defending, said after his arrest Mukhtar should have told the police the truth but instead lied himself into further trouble.