A lying driver who framed his own son for speeding has brazenly told a court that he is a "good father".
Robert Wilson, 62, falsely claimed his son was driving when his car was caught twice by cameras for speeding as he worried he would be banned from the road.
His son got six penalty points on his licence but knew nothing about the offences, Plymouth Crown Court heard.
Wilson senior paid the fine himself but sharp-eyed police officers spotted that the handwriting on the form matched that of the 62-year-old as recorded in previous prosecutions, reports Plymouth Live.
Robert Wilson told a judge: "He (his son) was extremely angry with me but he has forgiven me. I am a good father, a good and generous father."
Representing himself in an unusual but polite address, he said that he had himself been a probation supervisor for three years. Judge William Mousley asked him whether he was prepared to do unpaid work.
Wilson said: "I would do it, but I would not enjoy it, that is for sure."
The judge replied: "Well, that may be a reason for imposing it."
Judge Mousley said that cases of perverting the course of justice were usually met with an immediate prison sentence.
He added that the offence was made worse because it had gone on for two months and he had succeeded in avoiding prosecution.
But he added that Wilson was no risk to the general public and had a good chance of mending his ways.
He was given an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 150 hours of unpaid work.
Wilson, of Pearson Avenue, Mutley, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice between March 23 and August 1 last year. He rejected the chance to get legal representation despite being told he faced a prison sentence.
Holly Rust, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said Wilson senior was at the wheel of a Vauxhall Astra which activated speed cameras on successive days in March.
She added that Notices of Intended Prosecutions were sent to the address the defendant shared with his son.
Miss Rust said: "It now appears that he completed them on his son's behalf."
The barrister added that Wilson senior paid the fine from a joint back account and his son received six penalty points on his licence.
But the court heard that police noticed similarities on the paperwork with the handwriting on Robert Wilson's previous motoring offences.
Miss Rust said: "He stated that his son was not aware of what he had done, stating that he needed his car for work because he could not walk a great distance. He said that he filled in the form to save his licence."
She added that police spoke to Mr Wilson junior who said he knew nothing about the prosecution. Wilson told the court from the dock that his offence was "unplanned and spontaneous".
He added: "I apologise to the court and I have apologised to my son as well. I admitted my guilt as soon as I was challenged."
Wilson said that he had sold the Vauxhall and was now getting the bus to work, but faced disciplinary action which could see him lose his job.
