A young man who persuaded a family member to accept blame for a road traffic accident has been handed a twelve-month custodial sentence.

Bradford Crown Court viewed footage showing Ibrahim Farooq and a passenger abandoning a Mitsubishi Shogun after it struck another vehicle and boundary walls in Bradford on April 26, 2024.

The following day, Farooq rang emergency services and reported the motor vehicle had been taken from where it was parked.

On May 17, Farooq nominated his cousin Muhammad Ali as the individual behind the wheel on the evening of the incident.

When questioned by officers in July, Ali admitted piloting the Shogun and colliding with the other car.

The prosecution, led by Andrew Stranex, explained that Ali delivered an account consistent with what the case described as instructions memorised in advance, containing specific details designed to exonerate Farooq, as the pair had apparently coordinated.

Following the inquiry, both Farooq, then aged 20, and Ali, then aged 19, were arrested and interviewed but refused to respond to questioning.

Mr Stranex outlined how the pair had crafted a meticulously planned and coordinated version of events to present to investigators, with Farooq designating Ali as the motorist.

In mitigation on behalf of both, Anastasis Tasou said Farooq had been driving without valid insurance and wished to sidestep repercussions.

He expressed astonishment at the extent some defendants will go to in order to avoid penalty for what would otherwise amount to a relatively minor matter. He noted this marked the commencement of this offence of attempting to obstruct justice, and it has resulted in what the defendants now acknowledge as a grave circumstance. Neither fully appreciated the seriousness of their conduct.

He attributed the circumstances to their inexperience, youth, and what he characterised as Ali’s foolishness and loyalty toward his cousin.

The court heard neither Farooq nor Ali had criminal records and had stayed out of trouble since. Both had expressed remorse.

In sentencing both men for attempting to pervert the course of justice, His Honour Judge Richard Gioserano noted that dashboard camera footage clearly established Farooq was operating the Shogun at the moment of impact.

Addressing Farooq, he remarked that he had made a complete untruth to officers, compounded by naming Ali as the driver on a formal document and furnishing Ali with a detailed account to learn.

The judge observed that Farooq had formulated a scheme swiftly.

Judge Gioserano informed Ali that he too had deceived police by asserting he had been driving.

He stated that he struggled to comprehend why Ali would do this, even for a relative. He noted that Ali had nothing to benefit and everything to sacrifice, while Farooq had everything to gain.

Farooq, now 22, from Hollingwood Lane, Great Horton, Bradford, received twelve months’ imprisonment.

Ali, now 21, from Lily Street, Manningham, Bradford, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment suspended for two years.

Ali was also ordered to complete ten rehabilitation activity requirement days and undertake 200 hours of community service.