Yellowknife (Oct 20/04) - A Yellowknife teen involved in a dramatic car crash forgot the first rule about lying to the police: remember your footprints.

The 17-year-old was one of three youths driving in a stolen car when it flipped at the sandpits May 30, 2004.

When police questioned the 17-year-old about the accident, he said a fourth teen, named "Frankie" was driving the car when it flipped.

But when police went back to the scene they found just three sets of footprints embedded in the sand around the vehicle.

Confronted with the evidence, the teen admitted his friend had been driving the car. He was charged with obstruction of justice. Monday in youth court, he admitted his guilt.

"I'm sorry for lying to the officers," the teen said. Because he is a young offender, his name cannot be released.

Judge Brian Bruser sentenced the teen, who had no previous criminal record, to 30 hours of community service.

"You should have 'fessed up," Bruser said. "Things would have been better for you if you had."

The two other teens involved in the case faced more serious charges, including theft of a motor vehicle. They were convicted and sentenced earlier this fall.