Banned driver pretended to be twin brother and had licence in his name

A banned driver tried to claim he was his twin brother after being caught at the wheel in a hire car.

Lee Roberts, 39, was pulled over in a white MG ZS by police near his home on Thorn Road in Runcorn on Saturday, November 28.

Officers suspected the driver was already disqualified, and they asked for his name and to see his driving licence.

Cheshire police s aid Roberts claimed to be his twin brother then presented a driving licence with his brother’s name.

Under questioning at the roadside he eventually admitted his identity.

Roberts has not had a valid licence since being banned from driving in 2001.

A force spokesman said Roberts duped the DVLA to obtain the licence in his brother’s name.

His brother has his own licence and was unaware that Roberts had one in his name, the spokesman said.

Roberts later admitted driving disqualified, having no insurance and, using a licence with intent to deceive.

He was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, May 5, where he was sentenced to 16 months in prison, banned for 20 months and ordered to pay a £156 victim surcharge.

PC Phil Halliday, who led the investigation at Cheshire Constabulary ’s Roads and Crime Unit, said: “Lee Roberts duped the DVLA into giving him a photocard driving licence in his brother’s name.

“He then tried to dupe the police by claiming to be his brother after being seen driving a hire car whilst banned.

“Driving a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right.

“Roberts clearly thought he was above the law and that he could get away with driving whilst disqualified and not insured.

“He was sorely mistaken and is now behind bars facing the consequences of his actions.

“I hope this case provides some reassurance to motorists and that it, and the sentence that has been handed down by Chester Crown Court, deters others from continuing to drive when banned from doing so.”