A man claimed he was driving when a traffic accident occurred to protect his warden son, who was actually behind the wheel.

Joseph Zammit, 56, of Qormi, was sentenced to a month in prison, suspended for two years, after he was found guilty of lying under oath.

The accident, which involved three cars, took place in November 2010 in Aldo Moro Street, Marsa. The three drivers filled bumper-to-bumper forms and Mr Zammit’s son, Engelbert, who was wearing his warden uniform, inserted his father’s details and forged his signature.

Two of the car owners filed insurance claims but Mr Zammit never did.

The police were brought in to investigate after it resulted that the person who signed the forms was not one of the drivers involved in the accident.

Civil proceedings began and notary Alexandra Micallef was appointed by the court to take Joseph Zammit’s version of events in the form of an affidavit.

He said he was driving his car at the time of the collision. However, the other drivers said the person driving the third car was much younger, in his 20s.

They were eventually shown photographs of the father and his son and they identified Engelbert Zammit as the driver.

Separate criminal proceedings were initiated against the younger Mr Zammit and these are still pending.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera ruled that Joseph Zammit had lied under oath intentionally.

Lawyer Jason Grima, who appeared for the accused, gave notice of appeal. Police Inspector Sarah Magri prosecuted.