A MOTORIST forged an insurance certificate because it would have cost £2,000 to put his car on the road, a court heard.

Anthony Foster, 25, had used a computer scanner to produce the certificate and a judge said to the inexperienced eye, it looked like a genuine article.

Foster had his case adjourned until July 20 or further inquiries and sentence and was bailed by Mr Recorder Ryder at Burnley Crown Court.

The defendant, of Within Grove, Huncoat, had earlier admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice and forgery, at Burnley Crown Court. He had no previous convictions.

Michael Lavery, prosecuting, said when the defendant was stopped by police last September, he gave his details and a form was issued for him to produce his driving licence, insurance and MOT certificates.

A summons was issued to attend the Hyndburn Magistrates Court, where Foster produced an insurance certificate and gave evidence on oath in respect of it. The defendant said it was a genuine certificate and had been supplied by Direct Line through the post.

Mr Lavery said the justices became concerned and enquiries were made. Direct Line said it was a false document and it became apparent it was a forgery.

The magistrates became suspicious and Foster admitted he had produced the document by use of a computer, scanned it and altered it.

He told officers he had done it because it would cost him more than £2,000 to insure his vehicle, which he considered excessive.