Uninsured driver posed as brother for EIGHT years to dodge justice
AN uninsured and unli- censed driver who was caught by the police told officers he was his brother and kept up the act for a further eight years, a court heard.
Handyman Jamie Wilson told police his name was Mark Wilson then continued pretending to be his brother in later magistrates’ court appearances, even intercepting his brother’s post so he would not find out.
He was first stopped by police on the A48 in St Mellons, Cardiff, in May 2009 in a Vauxhall Astra.
The former alcoholic, now 52, said he panicked and gave his brother’s name. He then went to Cardiff magistrates’ court in November 2009 and pretended to be his brother.
He ‘hesitated’ when asked to confirm his identity but continued to impersonate his brother and pleaded guilty to driving without a licence or insurance.
Mark Wilson was fined £115 and given six penalty points.
The defendant started paying the fine, but could not keep up with the payments of £10 a fortnight.
In 2011, Mark Wilson was shocked to receive a letter saying he had £45 left to pay of an outstanding fine.
Prosecutors said he went to police to report the matter but did not receive a response from them or the court. The innocent brother then received a letter from enforcement services in July last year requesting payment of the outstanding amount.
He contacted the agency and was sent a memorandum of conviction, which contained details he recognised as his brother’s Astra.
Jailing him for six months for perverting the course of justice, Judge Richard Williams said it ‘ is always regarded as a grave offence because it strikes at the heart of the criminal justice system.’ He said the defendant, who has five previous convictions including dishonesty and being drunk and disorderly, could have owned up at any time.