A MAN who used a false passport to try to open an account at a Newport bank was jailed for nine months today.

Tope Akinyemi, from Clapham in London, attempted to use a South African passport and a water bill, both in the name of Dapaja Olawiwoja, to open an account at HSBC on Bridge Street on February 12.

Yesterday Newport Crown Court heard it was due to the experience and initiative of bank manager Anthony Coates that Akinyemi was unsuccessful.

Laurence Jones, prosecuting, said Mr Coates recognised inconsistencies in the passport and rang head office for advice.

He was told the passport was fake and called police, then kept Akinyemi, 27, at the bank until they arrived.

Examination later found that although the passport was genuine it had been altered, with Akinyemi's picture replacing the original.

The court heard that Nigerian national Akinyemi, who pleaded guilty to posession of a false identification document, had lived in Britain for between 11 and 14 years and had indefinite leave to remain.

Gareth Williams, defending, said Akinyemi committed the crime because his immigration status meant he was unable to work.

He was reliant for money on his long-term girlfriend and hoped a bank account would help him get a job.

"He became desperate," said Mr Williams.

But he said Akinyemi now deeply regretted his actions.

Recorder Ian Murphy said he had taken account of Akinyemi's early guilty plea and previously good character.

But he said: "It is an offence so serious that in my view only a custodial sentence is appropriate."

And he praised Mr Coates, saying: "It was due to his experience that he detected something wrong with this passport."

He sentenced Akinyemi to nine months, minus the 92 days spent in custody awaiting trial.