A failed asylum seeker who tried to use a false driving licence to open a bank account has been jailed for six months.

Zimbabwean Xen Sibanda, 34, was arrested after staff at the Yorkshire Bank in Bradford became suspicious about the licence he handed over when he tried to open an account last month.

Prosecutor Ewan McLachlan said Sibanda also had pay-slips and utility bills in the same false name, and he later told police he wanted the account so he could use it if he got employment using the bogus identity.

Sibanda said he came to the United Kingdom in 2003 and remained in the country following his failed bid to gain asylum.

Sibanda admitted possessing a false identity document with intent to establish a registerable fact about himself.

Jailing him at Bradford Crown Court today, Judge Robert Bartfield said such offences were serious because banks had to rely on documents being presented to them.

Sibanda, of Gledhow Park Grove, Leeds, has already served 35 days on remand.