A MAN'S lies hindered detectives in their hunt for a driver who mowed down and killed a young man in Prestwich last year.

David Lees (23) died at North Manchester General Hospital after being knocked down by a car on Middleton Road during a disturbance outside the BP garage during the early hours of Saturday, October 28.

A post-mortem examination revealed that David, a keen amateur footballer from Blackley, died as a result of severe head injuries.

Despite an intense and lengthy investigation, police have yet to track down the driver, although a number of people have been formally questioned.

At Bolton Crown Court last Thursday, a 27-year-old man from Longsight was convicted in connection with the incident.

Arfan Javed (27), of Clitheroe Road, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice after he fabricated the sale of the car that knocked Mr Lees down.

Javed's stories prevented police from ever finding the Vauxhall Vectra, which would have given them a good opportunity to identify the driver and occupants. Sentencing has been adjourned until August 31.