A dog breeder pretended to be his brother after being pulled over while driving without a licence.
Lewis Killa, from Blaengarw, was behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta on April 17 when patrolling PC Williams "had cause to stop" the car on the A4106 in Bridgend, Cardiff Magistrates' Court heard. When the officer asked for his details, the 29-year-old gave those of his brother, Liam Killa.
A search of the police national computer showed that Liam, 33, held a full driving licence but was not insured to drive the Ford Fiesta, which led to him being charged with driving without insurance. Liam was given a court date but the offence was withdrawn in May when police learned that Lewis was the one driving — and only had a provisional licence. You can get more courts news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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The younger Killa — who runs the business, Killaz Bullz, offering "top bloodline" American bulldogs — appeared on Thursday in court where he admitted driving without a licence or insurance, as well as obstructing PC Williams by giving false details. Prosecutor Simone Walsh told the court: "He explained that he knew he shouldn't have been driving but he and the children had not been able to get out much over the Bank Holiday weekend. He said he knew exactly what he was doing by providing his brother's details."
Killa, of Blaengarw Road, represented himself. He told the magistrates: "I gave the wrong details for the simple reason of I knew I shouldn't have been driving. I needed to get out with my stepson. I shouldn't have bothered, I'm that close to getting my licence. I have done my theory already. I have a job waiting as long as I can get my licence."
Presiding Justice Nigel Buckland said: "Well, clearly the matter of the most concern will be giving false details to a police officer to avoid arrest." Killa replied that he did not think he would necessarily avoid arrest, adding: "I just needed a bit of leeway so I could get my licence."
Mr Buckland said: "Yes. You were hoping to avoid prosecution, weren't you?" The defendant responded quietly: "Yeah."
The magistrates imposed six penalty points which will be in place if Killa obtains a licence. He must complete 40 hours of unpaid work and pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £95 victim services surcharge. You can read more court stories here.
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