Speeding Walsall driver tried to deflect blame by using innocent woman's details

Assif Hussain was clocked driving at 51mph in a 40-zone on the Black Country New Road, but, rather than accept the fine and points, he completed paperwork suggesting a woman from Northampton was behind the wheel of his VW Golf at the time

The 35-year-old woman was stunned to receive confirmation from the DVLA in February that she'd been convicted in her absence at court, fined £200, and been handed three points.

It is believed Hussain, from Gladstone Street in Birchills, came across the woman's details after she lost her handbag – including her purse and driver's licence – at a Northampton petrol station back in 2010.

Officers from the Camera Enforcement Unit interviewed Hussain under caution and, though admitting it was his car caught on camera on July 27, 2014, he denied being the driver and ever seeing the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) in the post.

However, when the documents were sent away for analysis they returned a forensic 'hit' against the 33-year-old.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday he was given a five-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, fined £600 and ordered to pay the innocent woman £250 in compensation having admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice.

PC Steve Jevons from the camera unit, said: "The NIP form was returned complete with the woman's date of birth and driving licence number… It's strongly suspected Hussain somehow came about her personal details having found or been passed her lost licence.

"Lying to police is a serious matter – and what makes this case even worse is that he tried to frame a completely innocent woman for the offence. The lady was understandably shocked and fretting having received a letter saying she's been convicted in a court of law.

"Hussain's lies very nearly landed him behind bars… All because he tried to avoid three points and a small fine. Anyone who lies to police, and maintains that deception, runs the very real risk of being jailed."