An Ilford man has been given a six month sentence for falsely reporting his number plates were stolen after being caught on camera speeding.

Taxi driver Irfan Choudhary, 39, of Medway Close, Ilford, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice at Snaresbrook Crown Court earlier this month. He was caught speeding by a number plate recognition camera near Stanstead Airport in May.

He told police his number plates had been stolen from his Vauxhall Zafira in the early hours of May 13 when the incident took place.

After an investigation with the Essex force, Det Con Terry Smith of Redbridge police recognised the car and Mr Choudhary was arrested.

During a police interview, he admitted he had activated a speed camera and attempted to dodge a fine and points on his license.

Supt Zander Gibson, Redbridge’s deputy commander, said: “We are determined to catch those who steal vehicle plates and to support the genuine victims of this crime as best we can.

“However, I suspect there are a number of others reporting their plates stolen when the reality is they have received a parking ticket or have been caught speeding.”