All this over a speeding offence?” Judge criticizes woman’s elaborate efforts to avoid points for speeding in land rover
In an unexpected courtroom drama, Debra Picken from Warrington wept with relief as she narrowly escaped jail time after her convoluted attempt to avoid speeding points was exposed. Picken, caught driving her Land Rover at 45mph in a 30mph zone, resorted to extraordinary measures, including a false alibi, a changed registration, and even an added paw sticker on her vehicle.
Chester Crown Court labeled Picken’s actions as “stupid,” emphasizing that the points wouldn’t have led to her disqualification. The 53-year-old company director of a property management firm denied ownership of the Land Rover for over two years, going to great lengths to convince authorities otherwise.
Picken’s saga involved changing her vehicle’s registration four days after the speeding incident, placing an animal paw sticker on it, and fabricating witnesses who could vouch for her whereabouts during the alleged offence.
Despite being convicted in her absence for failing to provide documents, Picken maintained her innocence, citing dyslexia and claiming “brain fog” due to anxiety issues. The court heard that she later pleaded guilty to failing to produce documents.
Prosecutor Ryan Rothwell highlighted Picken’s deliberate attempts to mislead, stating that she was “deliberately misleading” authorities by insisting it was not her car. The court revealed that Picken was found guilty in June 2022, receiving six points on her license and an £836 fine.
During her sentencing hearing, Picken sobbed uncontrollably as the judge suspended her six-month jail term for 12 months. Judge Steven Everett criticized her actions, emphasizing the unnecessary stress she endured over a speeding offence that wouldn’t have resulted in disqualification.
Picken’s defense argued for leniency, citing her mental health issues and vulnerability in prison. The judge, while acknowledging her mental health challenges, stressed the importance of holding those who pervert the justice system accountable.
The case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of attempting to manipulate the legal system for seemingly trivial reasons. Picken’s tearful courtroom scene concluded with a stern warning about the impact of dishonesty on the justice system.
