Ex-Avon and Somerset officer faces jail for speed lies
A former police officer is facing jail after admitting falsifying documents to avoid speeding fines.
Jason Butler was a detective constable with Avon and Somerset Police at the time he committed the offences, Plymouth Crown Court heard.
He claimed someone else owned, and was driving, the Volkswagen Sharan that was caught on speed cameras.
Butler, 45, of Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, admitted two counts of perverting the course of justice.
The court heard Butler told authorities a Walter Earl, who lived in Los Angeles, was driving on two occasions when he was caught speeding.
He was caught on the A35 in Poole, Dorset, in 2008, doing 40mph in a 30mph zone and was photographed speeding on the A374 in Torpoint, Cornwall in 2009.
On both occasions he sent paperwork showing he was not driving and claiming Mr Earl was at-the-wheel.
The court was not given the reason why Butler chose to use Mr Earl's named.
Judge Paul Darlow told him: "You must understand that the court will very seriously consider a custodial sentence in a case such as this."
Defence barrister Nigel Hall said Butler is now suffering from depression and has resigned from his post with the police.
Judge Darlow released Butler on unconditional bail and he will be sentenced on May 20.
A police spokesman said Butler was no longer with the service.
"Jason Butler offered his resignation to Avon and Somerset Constabulary on January 31 2011 and this was accepted," he said.