The judge hearing the case against Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas’ friend, Wayne Pheasey, yesterday branded Ryan “cowardly” when it was revealed that the 25 year old allowed Pheasey to claim he’d been driving when an accident occurred.

In fact, Ryan had been driving when he lost control of his car in Manchester, causing it to crash into a lamppost.

Wayne Pheasey – also 25 years old – was Ryan’s passenger, and it seems that shortly after the accident, Ryan fled, leaving Wayne to tell police he had been driving.

It was revealed in The Sun that Ryan had been drinking, and was afraid that if he stayed at the scene, he would lose his license and potentially face prison.

Judge Andrew Gilbart QC told Pheasey in court, “The car was being driven by a friend of yours whose name is well known.

“He was cowardly and walked away. You had had quite a lot to drink. You didn’t walk away.

“It was misplaced loyalty to your friend who didn’t have the moral courage to accept responsibility.”

Pheasey admitted perverting justice and was sentenced to six months’ in prison which was suspended for a year. He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Ryan was fined £2,050 earlier last week for failing to stop at the scene of an accident and for failing to report an accident.