Mark Upkett jailed after panic-led fake identity attempt in Port Hedland backfires spectacularly

A Port Hedland man will spend one year in prison after faking his identity at a traffic stop and lying to the court that he was his brother, who was wanted by police, in a moment of “panic”. Mark Upkett, 30, appeared for sentencing before South Hedland District Court last week after he pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice. On May 10, 2019, Upkett was stopped by officers for a breath test in South Hedland and provided them with his brother’s personal details, including his name and date of birth. Upkett produced a blood alcohol reading of 0.032 and was taken to South Hedland Police Station because of the novice driver status of his brother, Michael Upkett. He was charged and later attended court as his brother, signing a bail undertaking under a false name in front of Magistrate Michelle Ridley. The accused maintained his brother’s identity after police discovered an outstanding arrest warrant existed for his sibling. Police later discovered Upkett had used a false identity after a phone call with Upkett’s brother, who said he had not been in town for a year. The accused was arrested in October, telling police “I wouldn't be here if you had of done your job properly”. Judge Gary Massey said although he accepted the accused had panicked to avoid detection, his crime inconvenienced local police and the court. He was sentenced to 12 months in jail and a lifetime driving licence disqualification.