A MAN from Weston who stole his dead brother’s identity to open a new bank account has escaped a jail sentence.

Ashley Morton, aged 28, of Worthy Place, admitted to using the details of his brother Oliver to open the Barclays account.

Setting up a provisional driving licence in his brother’s name and downloading an EDG Energy utility bill from the internet, he then used both documents to set up the account.

Oliver died of cardio-respiratory arrest and epilepsy in 1997.

At Bristol Crown Court last Friday, Morton pleaded guilty to possessing an identity document with intent and two charges of fraud by false representation.

The court heard how he had also applied to be listed on the electoral register in his brother’s name in an attempt for a Visa card – but was refused the account.

Morton used the bank account to deposit and withdraw cash, but did not cause any financial loss to the bank.

The judge gave Morton a 12-month community order, with 150 hours’ unpaid work and �300 costs.