A MOTORIST has been fined £350 after being caught performing an illegal handbrake turn in Trowbridge then forging the MOT certificate he was asked to present to police.
Wayne Wheeler, 22, admitted charges of careless driving and forgery at Chippenham Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Prosecutor Michelle Hewitt said Wheeler, of Wyson Street, Southwick, was spotted by a police officer on foot patrol in Market Street on December 16.
He was seen to accelerate towards Silver Street before performing a hand brake turn, which left his VW Golf at a 90 angle.
Michael Wills, defending, said: "It was a very, very silly thing to do, which he bitterly regrets."
When the car was inspected it was found to have two defective tyres and Wheeler was asked to produce his MOT certificate at Trowbridge police station. It was found to have expired on December 1, but Wheeler had altered it to read December 21.
Mr Wills said: "To forge an MOT certificate is ridiculous. He told me he just panicked and didn't know what to do."
Wheeler was fined £175 for careless driving, £175 for forgery and ordered to pay £43 costs. No penalties were awarded for two charges of driving a vehicle with a defective tyre, but his licence will be endorsed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article