Man tried to frame his friend for crime but phone blunder caught him …

A man has been spared jail after framing his friend for his crime. Prince Bwalya, 31, of Ellerby Road, Blurton,^[1] was stopped by police on Leek Road, Stoke,^[2] on November 10 2022, at 2.30am, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court ^[3] heard on October 25.

Police had noticed the car appeared to be in a state of disrepair with a light out. Bwalya then gave the name and address of an innocent man, but he was rumbled as he had given police his own mobile number. He was not insured to the car he was driving and had previous convictions for motor offences.

He has now pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, and perverting the court of justice, after initially pleading not guilty. Prosecuting, Simon Worlock said: "He was driving a Vauxhall Astra.

READ: Police 'do not approach' warning as tattooed North Staffordshire criminal walks out of jail ^[4] | Members of the public have been warned not to approach Matthew West who is from Newcastle-under-Lyme

READ: Girl, 15, and boy, 14, arrested for attempted murder after man repeatedly stabbed ^[5] | Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to Kildare Street, in Dresden

"The car was registered to a man in Kent and insured to a man in Wembley. The man whose name Bwalya said he didn't recognise the vehicle.

"His face also did not match the photo police had taken, and Bwalya was found out on December 12. He was interviewed under caution and denied the offence, alongside knowing the man."

Bwalya has five previous convictions for nine offences, including driving with excess alcohol, driving with no insurance, and being drunk and disorderly. Defending, Stuart Muldoon said: "He knew he was driving without insurance.

"He borrowed the car from a friend because he has gone home from work and had left some tools at the site. He needed them to carry out work on his home address.

"He had no other method of transport. He panicked when stopped by police.

"He has apologised to the person. The reality is that this is serious offending but there will be an impact on others if he's jailed..

"He still has his employment - he manufactures trains. Once that project ends there will be another starting in Leeds.

"He is in a relationship but she lives in Scotland. He would also lose his accommodation.

"He came to England from Zambia with his mother and brother when he was seven. He had only been here for a few months when his father passed way.

"His brother passed away, and his sister died during lockdown. This has impacted upon him.

"He gives his mother and younger sister £500 a month. He has a good income with £2,000 a month disposable income.

"A number of people have taken the time and effort to write letters about his readiness to help others." Sentencing, Rob Smith said: "You are now 31 years old and you have five previous convictions which was are related to driving a vehicle.

"You don't have a good history when it comes to driving motor vehicles. You provided false details.

"An entirely innocent man was questioned by the police about this incident. It would have been very distressing for him.

"You show genuine remorse for your actions. It's said that you panicked and gave false details - but I'm satisfied that you were seeking to avoid prosecution.

"You dragged things out. You did eventually admit your guilt.

"You're a hardworking young man with a good work ethic. It's an extremely serious offence - it strikes at the heart of the criminal justice system.

"I'm satisfied there's a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in your case."

Bwalya was sentenced to seven months, suspended for 12 months.

He must also pay £350 costs and complete 20 rehabilitation requirement days, plus 120 hours of unpaid work.

References

^{^} Blurton, (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Stoke, (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Police 'do not approach' warning as tattooed North Staffordshire criminal walks out of jail (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Girl, 15, and boy, 14, arrested for attempted murder after man repeatedly stabbed (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Sign up to our main daily newsletter here and get all the latest news straight to your inbox for FREE (data.reachplc.com)