A WORCESTER mother-to-be who lied to police after they stopped her car has escaped jail.

Paula Slemp, aged 20, of Troutbeck Drive, Warndon, admitted two charges of perverting the course of justice, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.

Judge Ian Morris told her yesterday at Worcester Crown Court: ''When I first read these papers I thought it was going to be almost inevitable that I was going to send you to custody.''

Slemp, who is expecting a child in December, was pulled over in August last year by Worcester police officers carrying out roadside checks in Foregate Street, and again in March this year, in Bath Road. On each occasion she gave a false name and address.

Mr Michael Conry, prosecuting, said Slemp claimed to be Melanie Williams on the first occasion, but that was in fact a friend's name, and Miss Williams later received a summons to appear at Droitwich Magistrates Court.

Mr James Dunstan, defending, asked for ''full credit'' to be given for Slemp's guilty pleas.

''She's been advised these offences usually carry custodial sentences and I think the lesson has already started to dawn on her,'' he said.

Slemp was made the subject of a two-year community rehabilitation order, and given a 12-month driving ban. No separate penalty was imposed for the offence of driving without insurance.

Judge Morris told Slemp: ''Not only have you developed a pattern of flagrant abuse of road traffic regulations, but when you are caught you involve other people who may be summoned to court in your place. That is malicious.''

He added: ''There is just a glimmer that some degree of maturity is beginning to dawn. You face all sorts of difficulties in bringing up your child and I am prepared to take a constructive course.''