Birmingham cabbie avoids jail after lying over speeding ticket

Mohammed Malik, aged 62, claimed a mechanic was driving his Toyota Avensis, when it was clocked doing 37mph in a 30mph zone on Washwood Heath Road in April last year.
Officers then wrote to the man Malik claimed was his mechanic, only to have the letter returned saying he no longer lived at the address given. Becoming suspicious, officers then contacted the cabbie’s firm and asked for a print out of his journeys on the day of the speeding offence.
His records revealed he had actually picked up a fare at the time - who could clearly be seen on the speeding camera footage sat on the back seat - but despite this, Malik was insistent his car had encountered mechanical problems on the journey and it was his mechanic driving.
Malik - of Coleshill Road, Ward End - pleaded guilty to the charge and was handed a four month prison sentence - suspended for 18 months - plus 80 hours unpaid work and costs of £400. He was also banned from driving for six months.