Jailed: Farmer who told police dead neighbour was driving
A farmer caught speeding has been jailed for claiming his dead neighbour was behind the wheel at the time.
At Plymouth Crown Court, Andrew George Evans, of Ludlow, was sentenced to six weeks after he pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice by lying to police. The 48-year-old triggered a speed camera when he drove at 51mph in a 30mph zone in Plymouth on April 14.
Having been sent a prosecution notice by Devon and Cornwall Police, Evans sent it back claiming his neighbour Ben Hughes had been driving at the time of the offence.
But when police tried to contact Mr Hughes they discovered he had died four-and-a-half months before the speeding offence had taken place.
Jailing Evans yesterday, Recorder Stephen Parish said
Evans was given every chance in his interview to tell the truth – but "dug himself deeper and deeper".
Mr Michael Green, for Evans, said Evans had no previous convictions and his sheep would need tending in his absence.
