Driver’s deceit lands him in jail

A 24-year-old man who lied to avoid prosecution for speeding is today starting a two-month prison sentence.

Out-of-work Muhammad Waqas, of Garthwaite Avenue, Oldham, admitted a charge of perjury by making a false statement in 2009 on an intended Notice of Prosecution (NIP).

Waqas’s deceit led to innocent members of his family being arrested and interviewed, said a Judge at Manchester City Magistrates’ Court.

He joined a growing list of motorists jailed for dodging justice by paying £120 to have bogus names and addresses put on an NIP for road traffic offences.

Tickets had to be cancelled when named drivers couldn’t be traced after six months.

Following a police operation named Crush, scores of people have been arrested in recent months.

Passing sentence, District Judge Jonathon Taaffe told Waqar: “I acknowledge this will have a devastating effect on you.

“But I have a public duty to send out a message loud and clear that people who get involved in scams like this will go to prison.

“Your actions were premeditated and I am not surprised that your family are furious with you.”

The court heard Waqas provided a false statement after he was caught speeding on Manchester Road, Oldham, in May, 2009.

Sonya O’Brien, defending, said Waqas had been worried that his insurance would increase if he got points on his licence.

“He was naive and didn’t realise that his behaviour would have such an impact and that a conviction of this nature could preclude him from getting a job in the future,” added Miss O’Brien.