A driver who knocked down a schoolgirl while uninsured convinced police at the scene he was his 53-year-old dad – despite being 25 years younger.

Blake Woodford, 28, was at the wheel of his father's Peugeot 206 when he struck the 12-year-old in Fairfield Road, Broadstairs.

He called 999 himself and stayed with the girl until paramedics and police arrived.

But as he held only a provisional licence at the time, he pretended to be his dad, giving officers the name Aaron Woodford and a date of birth in 1968.

It was only when the schoolgirl's brother turned detective and scoured social media that Woodford's true identity was unmasked.

He was later arrested, and on Thursday narrowly avoided jail after admitting perverting the course of justice.

Canterbury Crown Court School heard how on July 9 last year the schoolgirl stepped out in front of Woodford’s dad’s car, hitting the windscreen.

Fortunately, she suffered only minor injuries, escaping with cuts and grazes.

After giving false details to police, who had sent nine officers to the scene, Woodford was allowed to leave.

But when police were made aware of his true identity they went to his home three weeks later - and found him hiding in the attic.

He was arrested and gave a no-comment police interview.

He was not investigated or charged over the crash.

“You gave false details, your father’s details, and you did so intending to pervert the course of justice."

Nicholas Jones, prosecuting explained: “A child effectively ran out into the road. The defendant was not to be considered at fault for what happened.”

Woodford’s “deliberate act of telling a lie” was intended to avoid legal or financial penalties, the lawyer continued.

Judge Catherine Brown told Woodford his lies were not unravelled because he “regretted” his actions but because of the “diligence" of the girl's brother.

“You gave false details, your father’s details, and you did so intending to pervert the course of justice," she said.

Perverting the course of justice attracts a deterrent sentence of immediate custody, unless “exceptional” circumstances are present.

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Samantha Wright, Woodford’s lawyer, argued his case warranted a suspended sentence, as he plays a crucial role caring for unwell and vulnerable family members.

“He made an extremely stupid decision to give the wrong name, but he did what he should have done, by helping that young girl,” she added.

Woodford, of Elmley Way, Margate, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

He was handed four months custody suspended for 10 months, 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 120 hours of unpaid work.

Woodford – who was supported by family in the public gallery – was also ordered to pay £425 court costs, fined £400 and banned from driving for six months.