Sussex Motorists Sentenced After Lying To Dodge Speeding Fines

Wednesday, 26 August 2020 14:57

By Charlotte Baker @Ch4rtweets

Two men who lied about speeding in Brighton last November (2019) have been sentenced, with one being immediately jailed.

Police said the first offence was recorded on November 28, where a white Vauxhall Vivaro was caught travelling at 45mph in a 30mph zone in Madeira Drive, Brighton.

Despite being the registered keeper, Matthew Wood, of Withyham Avenue, Saltdean, claimed his vehicle actually had a roof rack not seen in the images, and suggested his number plates must have been cloned.

Officers later disproved the 32-year-old's theory, and he was arrested.

The original plates as shown in the camera images were found in the back of his van.

At Lewes Crown Court on 12 August, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

He is also required to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £122 in costs.

The second offence was recorded on November 14, where a white Mercedes E-Class was caught travelling at 37mph in a 30mph zone in Lewes Road, Brighton.

The registered keeper nominated the driver as Ahmad Rastinsani, 55, of Mackie Avenue, Brighton.

Rastinsani nominated another person, but investigations revealed he was working as a taxi driver in the area around the time of the offence.

He eventually admitted the offence, and at Lewes Crown Court on 3 August, he was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay £122 costs.

Chris Raynor, of the Sussex Police Camera and Ticket Process Team, said:

"It is clear that both drivers purposely provided false information in order to avoid prosecution.

"It’s not the first time we have seen this sort of behaviour and unfortunately it won’t be the last.

"Some people try their luck, thinking they’ll be able to avoid the fine.

"But they actually end up with a criminal conviction for a very serious offence, which could affect things like their insurance, future employment opportunities, and travel to countries including America and Australia.

"By lying about their offences, they have wasted valuable police time and resources."