An unemployed man was fined for giving officers a false name to escape a warrant issued after he gave Police the same false name.

David Albouy, 41, of no fixed abode, was arrested on July 14, 2008, on a warrant for driving without insurance.

When approached by Police carrying out the arrest warrant he told officers his name was David Bean.

He later pleaded guilty to attempting to obstruct justice but never paid the $1,000 fine.

Crown counsel Larissa Burgess said officers saw Albouy on Elliott Street, on August 21, and spoke to him about the warrant out for his arrest.

Albouy insisted he was David Bean even after he was cautioned.

In Magistrates' Court on Monday, Albouy admitted lying to Police because he couldn't afford to pay the fine.

"I have been unemployed since 2008. I was going to pick up a job this week," he said.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner ordered Albouy to pay the original fine immediately or face 100 days in prison. Mr. Warner fined Albouy $500 for giving Police a false name. He ordered it to be paid by September 23.