A WARRANT was issued for the wrong man – after a driver caught after fleeing from police gave another man’s name to officers.

Kevin Kiarie, 27, was behind the wheel of a VW Golf on October 19, 2019, that had been reported stolen, Swindon Crown Court heard.

Two police officers spotted the car on Drakes Way, Swindon, and tried to bring the hatchback to a halt – slewing their patrol car across the road.

Kiarie reversed at speed in a bid to get away. He crashed into an Audi behind him.

He ditched the car and fled on foot but was quickly caught. He gave officers another man’s name and kept up the lie during his police interview.

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Kevin Kiarie outside Swindon Crown Court Picture: ADVER PHOTOGRAPHER

It emerged custody staff at Gablecross police station had not checked Kiarie’s fingerprints, which would have seen through the falsehood.

Kiarie maintained that he had not himself given the officers the other man’s date of birth. Prosecutors said it would have been highly unusual for a police officer to give a date of birth to a suspect. However, as the officers involved did not have a clear memory of the events they did not pursue the matter to a fact finding hearing.

The driver was charged under the false name, with the summons sent to an property in Hillsborough Road, Oxford.

When no one answered the summons on December 4, 2019, the magistrates issued an arrest warrant for the man named by Kiarie. That warrant was withdrawn two weeks later, when police realised the error. The other man was never arrested on the warrant.

It wasn’t until last summer that police caught up with Kiare after getting his girlfriend’s address from social services. He admitted giving the false details, telling officers he’d panicked.

Kiarie, of Bassett Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, driving without insurance or a licence and possession of cannabis. He had a previous conviction from 2013 relating to giving false details to a police officer.

In mitigation, it was said he was remorseful, had a partner and young child. He was on benefits, although he occasionally worked on a casual basis - about which the benefits agencies were aware. The probation service deemed him a low risk of harm to the public.

Judge Peter Crabtree imposed a six month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, telling Kiarie: “You maintained a false name throughout the arrest procedure, while in interview and when charged. You compounded that by providing a false address.”

Kiarie must complete the thinking skills programme, 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 60 hours of unpaid work. He was banned from driving for three months.

Lucie Stoker appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service. Kiarie was represented by Lucy Ffrench.