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Search forNorth Devon motorist admitted perverting course of justice
Thursday, November 13, 2008, 07:00
Richard Kirton, 26, was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, by a judge at Plymouth Crown Court.
The court heard that Kirton, who is from Braunton but now lives in Whiddon Valley, Barnstaple, tried to avoid a £60 traffic fine.
Kirton was caught on camera jumping a red light in Barnstaple in his red Mazda MX3 car in September 2007.
But instead of owning-up, the former Braunton School pupil tried to avoid the fine — claiming the car in the photograph was a clone or copy of his vehicle.
The court heard Kirton altered the appearance of his car and sent photographs of the altered car to support his false claim that it wasn't him.
But at court Kirton admitted perverting the course of justice and was sentenced to eight months in jail, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered by a judge at Plymouth Crown Court to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and pay a £600 fine.
Natalie Hatswell, from the Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership, said: "If it was just an ordinary jumping of a red light, which I believe it was in his case, it would have been three penalty points and a £60 fine."
Judge Francis Gilbert QC said it was an extremely stupid attempt to avoid the three points and fine.
But Kirton's mum Diane defended her son.
She said: "We can't believe this has gone this far, he's very shocked.
"His house was searched and he was treated like a criminal. He's never, ever been in trouble before.
"He's 26, he passed his test at 17, never had any previous points or trouble with the police.
"He's the quietest lad, he doesn't even really drink — he's a family guy."
SENTENCED: Richard Kirton who was sentenced for attempting to pervert the course of justice.
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