A WOMAN who tried to avoid a speeding fine by forging documents has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Helen Taylor even pretended she was on holiday at the time the speed camera went off.

Yesterday, Southend Crown Court heard Taylor’s car activated the speed camera on the A127 at Laindon, on Saturday, April 30, 2011.

The 54-year-old, of Clifford Bridge Road, Binley, in the West Midlands, appeared for the first day of her trial and pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

The court heard she tried to get away with not paying the penalty by claiming she was abroad and had even forged documents to the court.

Investigating officer PC Rob Brettell said: “This case proves once again the lengths to which some people will go to avoid a speeding fine and driving licence endorsement.

“More and more people are being dealt with at crown court for offences which have only come about after they have lied.

“We know all the excuses to try to avoid a fixed penalty. “Therefore, this should be a clear warning we are not prepared to tolerate such behaviour and will always be rigorous in investigating such matters.”

For perverting the course of justice, Taylor was handed a six-month jail term, suspended for two years.

For the original speeding offence, she had her driving licence endorsed with six points and was given a £700 fine. She was ordered to pay £3,000 in costs.