A Milford Haven man provided police with a false name because he thought it would help him get away with driving without a valid licence, a court heard yesterday (Tuesday).

Christopher Mark Cole, of 37 Croft Avenue in Hakin, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest magistrates court to charges of driving without insurance, driving without a licence and obstructing a police officer.

Prosecutor Ellie Morgan described how Cole was stopped during a routine police check on the afternoon of January 13th : "He couldn't produce a licence and gave his name as Christopher Stephen Cole," she said.

"The officer made enquiries and suspected the defendant of supplying a false name, and arrested him for obstruction."

Ms Morgan said a police check revealed that Cole, aged 26, had no licence or insurance, and upon being interviewed admitted he'd had the car for a few months and knew what he was doing.

"He said he only had a provisional licence, and that he gave a false name because he thought he might get away with it."

She added he had a history of driving convictions.

Defence lawyer Jonathan Webb said the facts spoke for themselves: "I can only guess that from looking at his driving history, he can barely afford insurance as it would be an astronomical price."

Mr Webb said his client was at least candid during his police interview and added the offences wouldn't affect Cole's employment as a care worker.

Presiding magistrate Roy Thomas told Cole his record was "not something to be proud of."

He was fined £35 for driving without a licence, £200 for obstructing an officer, and a further £200 for driving without insurance, for which he also had six points imposed on his licence.

He was also ordered to pay a further £100 in court and prosecution costs.