A BANNED Cheshire driver who claimed to be his twin when caught behind the wheel by police has been jailed.

Lee Roberts, from Runcorn, was disqualified from driving back in 2001 and later duped the DVLA into issuing him a new licence in his brother’s name.

The 39-year-old was then pulled over by officers near to his home on Thorn Road in November last year while driving a hired MG ZS.

When asked for his name, he told the police he was his twin brother – who was unaware of the deception – and produced the fake driving licence.

But, after further questioning, he later admitting his true identity.

Roberts admitted using a licence with intent to deceive, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance and was handed 16 months behind bars at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, May 5.

He was also banned from driving for a further 20 months and told to pay a victim surcharge of £156.

Police constable Phil Halliday, who led the investigation as part of Cheshire Police’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.”