DESPITE being shown footage of herself behind the wheel, a County Durham woman lied about a speeding offence in a bid to escape a fine.

Tammy Dickson, 25, was recorded doing 53mph in a 40mph zone on Shields Road in Byker, Newcastle on July 8 last year.

But Dickson, from Stanley, said she had sold the red Vauxhall Corsa on July 3 and insisted the offence was committed by the buyer of the vehicle before it was handed back to her around a week later.

Northumbria Police's Motor Patrols officers showed Dickson the footage to prove that she was behind the wheel at the time.

However, Dickson insisted her version of events was correct and the case went to Newcastle Crown Court where she was found guilty of perverting the course of justice and making a false statement to obtain insurance.

Dickson, of Wordsworth Gardens, was given an eight-month suspended sentence, ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and made to pay a victim surcharge of £100.

Sergeant Jason Ryder, of Northumbria Police's Operations Department, said: "This has been a lengthy investigation that has taken more than a year to get to court all at the cost of the taxpayer.

"The defendant in this case continued to deny that she was behind the wheel that day right up until her court appearance despite the fact she was caught on camera.

"A lot of time has been spent carrying out investigations to prove that Dickson was the person driving the vehicle that day when we all knew from the very beginning that was the case.

"Rather than take responsibility, and take the points and a fine, she has continued to waste police time and as a result she has been issued with a far more serious punishment.

"This case should send out a clear warning that police will thoroughly investigate anyone who attempts to evade prosecution and bring them before the courts."