Mum fails to pass string of Testos speeding offences on to son at court hearing

A mum has failed to have overturned a string of speeding convictions in her name she claimed were committed by her son.
By Karon Kelly
Published 15th Sep 2020, 06:00 BST
Updated 16th Sep 2020, 07:29 BST
Average speed cameras were set up on the A19 as work takes place on Testos Roundabout transformation work.Average speed cameras were set up on the A19 as work takes place on Testos Roundabout transformation work.
Average speed cameras were set up on the A19 as work takes place on Testos Roundabout transformation work.

Gillian Watson, 54, Canonsfield Close, Moorside, was found guilty in her absence of smashing the limit seven times at roadworks at Testos Roundabout, at the border of South Tyneside and Sunderland.

But she appeared in court to ask to have the cases reopened, admitting she was responsible for one but alleging her son had committed the other six.

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Watson was originally convicted of failing to provide to police information about who had been driving her Citroen motor.

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It was caught on camera whizzing through the 40mph average speed monitored zone on dates between Monday, October 28 and Tuesday, May 19.

Defence solicitor Jason Smith told magistrates in South Tyneside Watson had responded to all court and Northumbria Police summonses and correspondence.

He said the force’s administration office had confirmed to Ms Watson her replies to at least some of the allegations had been received.

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But magistrates said they were satisfied the correct administrative procedures had been carried out and Watson had failed to comply with requests.

Of reopening the case, chair of the bench Thomas Eaststick told her: “We are not going to allow that, we can’t see any reason why that should be done.

“We have checked with the court record and the court record clearly says that you haven’t replied to any communications with the court.

“We can understand one matter, two at a push.”

Watson, a team performance coach with an energy firm, was granted permission to plead a special hardships case to not lose her driving licence.

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Mr Smith told the court: “She seems to have a son who is utilising her motor vehicle.

“She has replied to each and every one. Each and every one of these offences, on the face of it, she’s not guilty of.

“She’s sent off to the court or to the police to say that she’s not guilty and or has identified the driver.

“With each of these there seems to be something wrong with the postal service or administration.”

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The case was adjourned for a special hardship hearing at Gateshead Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 22.

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