A MAN who doctored CCTV footage after being arrested on his driveway on suspicion of drink-driving has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Preston Crown Court heard how 40-year-old David James Aitken’s deception only came to light when he presented the footage as evidence for drink-driving trial at Burnley Magistrates Court.

Aitken, of Jubilee Close, Haslingden, went on trial earlier this week accused of doing an act tending or intending to pervert the course of public justice.

He later admitted to a single count of attempting to pervert the course of public justice - a plea accepted by the prosecution.

Judge Andrew Woolman sentenced him to two months imprisonment, but suspended it for 12 months.

Aitken must also pay £1,200 prosecution costs.

Speaking at the conclusion of the case, PC Jordan Bruce said: “We will deal robustly with those who think it is acceptable to fabricate evidence in a bid to avoid prosecution.”

During the trial, prosecutor Hayley Bennett said that on November 29, 2015, PC Hayley Rimmer and a second officer attended Aitken’s property in Haslingden, following reports of a disturbance.

When they arrived they saw the defendant in his car on his driveway.

The officers saw the vehicle moving so Aitken was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving over the prescribed limit of alcohol.

The case was sent to Burnley Magistrates Court where the defendant was due to appear on March 14, 2016.

Ms Bennett said Aitken produced footage on an SD card which he said showed his driveway at the time police claimed he committed the drink-driving offence.

But that case was adjourned by prosecutor Dominic Howell for further investigation after PC Rimmer cast doubt over the authenticity of the footage.

Ms Bennett said: “The CCTV footage shows the car stationary. It shows no other people.

“While there is no date or time stamp on in the footage the creation date is November 9, 2015.

“PC Rimmer took the view that the footage was false.

“At no point can she see herself approaching the car, being anywhere near the car or searching the car. Nor does she see the defendant on the footage.”

The SD card was seized by the police and they went around to Aitken’s house to conduct further enquiries.

Ms Bennett said during the search officers found a CCTV unit inside the house but a CCTV camera couldn’t be found outside the property.

The CCTV unit was examined by a digital media officer who found the time and date on the system could be set by anyone who used it, the prosecutor said. At that time the date was set a few months behind its true day.

Aitken will appear at Burnley Magistrates Court on February 14 accused of failing to provide a specimen.