A MAN with a string of driving convictions has been jailed for two months after lying about his identity when arrested for being over the limit.

Brett Turns, 26, of Pearce Road, Chesham, was sent down by Amersham magistrates on Thursday after admitting obstructing police and driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Turns had told police he was John Simpson after giving a positive roadside breath test in Chesham on December 4. His body fluid samples were later found to be under the limit and he was released.

But officers taking him home were given information that he was actually Brett Turns, a disqualified driver, the court heard. Turns' charge sheet since 1994 includes convictions for drink driving, and failing to stop after an accident. He was disqualified on March 25 last year for two years after being drunk in charge of a vehicle.

Paul Smith, defending, said Turns had been at work and had been driven by a colleague to the Elephant and Castle, in Waterside. The driver ended up drinking more than Turns, who'd had "two-and-a-half drinks" and took the car keys.

Mr Smith said Turns' girlfriend then arrived with their four-month old son, who was ill.

"The smoke in the pub irritated the child and he started coughing," said Mr Smith. "My client decided to risk driving. Clearly that was very stupid - he only got 100 yards.

"He was taken to Aylesbury, where he panicked and gave a false name, making matters worse. The deception lasted about an hour. He admitted who he was and co-operated fully after that."