A DRIVER who perverted the course of justice after crashing into a lamppost before falsely reporting the vehicle as stolen has been warned to expect a prison sentence.

Vishanu Bhaskaran, 42, admitted lying to police after the crash in Colchester in August last year.

Appearing at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday, he admitted one charge of perverting the course of justice.

Bhaskaran’s barrister Sasha Bailey said her client was already subject to a community order put in place in March.

Ms Bailey said Bhaskaran had made “significant improvements” since committing the offence last year.

She added after a long period of time “sofa surfing”, Bhaskaran had finally been given council accommodation.

She said: “I accept a matter like this crosses the custody threshold, but I would ask if the court could consider a report from the probation service or addendum to give the court an update as to how he is doing on the current order.” 

Bhaskaran, of Mill Road, Colchester, was released on unconditional bail until a sentencing hearing which will take place on Friday, August 20.

Judge David Pugh said: “The offence you have pleaded guilty to, let me make this absolutely clear, is one which almost inevitably results in immediate custody.

“However, it is right I give you an opportunity to put before the court every element in mitigation, and that includes any responses that you have given to the order made in March this year.

“I am going to order the probation service provide a response to supervision report.”

He added: “The fact I am adjourning this matter and granting you bail should be taken as absolutely no indication of the sentence you will receive.

“The most likely outcome is one of immediate custody.

“The second warning I am giving you is although I am granting you bail, if you fail to attend court when you are required to attend, that itself could be an offence which requires imprisonment.”