Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 8:00am

Email the studio

Billy Joel

Piano Man

Listen Live

Woman sentenced for trying to avoid speeding fine near Harrogate

Wednesday, 30 October 2024 11:53

Bradford woman Sobia Iqbal was caught speeding on the A661.

A Bradford woman has been handed a four month sentence for trying to avoid a speeding ticket near Harrogate.

Sobia Iqbal of Poplars Park Road in Bradford was caught speeding on Sunday 8th May 2022 on the A661 Wetherby Road in Harrogate.

A mobile safety camera van recorded her travelling at 43mph in a 30mph zone.

Rather than admitting the offence, in a bid to avoid prosecution, Iqbal named a second innocent person as being the person behind the wheel of her vehicle.

The victim appeared to admit by post to being the driver at the relevant times and they were initially prosecuted, fined and points were added to their licence.

As a consequence of the additional points, they had their license revoked which meant that they couldn’t continue with their employment.

However, an investigation was launched following suspicions that false nominations had been made.

Footage taken from the camera van that captured the offence later proved that Iqbal was behind the wheel of the vehicle.

Iqbal pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and she was sentenced on Friday at York Crown Court to four months imprisonment (suspended for 18 months) and is required to pay compensation to the victim of £500 and a surcharge of £128.

Police Constable Michael Ray, who led the investigation said:

“This is a case which involved Iqbal nominating a complete stranger as the driver of her own vehicle which was captured speeding in North Yorkshire.

“Our thorough investigation demonstrates that we will take positive action against those who attempt to dishonesty void prosecution for traffic offences.

“I would like to use this example to remind anyone who is thinking about engaging in such behaviour that they are most likely to face far more serious consequences as a result. It also has a profound effect on the innocent victim who is caught up in the case.”

More from Local News

Harrogate Town Unveil New Home Kit for 2026/26 Season

After an incredible in-store reveal with Jack Evans this morning, the 2026/27 home shirt is now available.
Harrogate resident latest to scoop free tank of fuel

Free Fuel Friday returned this morning, giving Your Harrogate listeners the chance to bag a full tank of free fuel.
20-person brawl breaks out at Ripon pub

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and "large-scale disorder" at the One Eyed Rat pub in Ripon earlier this month.
RAF flypast planned over Harrogate district next weekend

A number of wartime aircrafts are set to fly over the Harrogate district next weekend.
Three hotels in Harrogate district named among best in UK by Telegraph

Three hotels in the Harrogate district have been named among the best places to stay in the UK by The Telegraph.
Petition calls for action to protect Knaresborough Castle

A petition calling for urgent action to protect and restore Knaresborough Castle is set to be debated by councillors after attracting more than 500 signatures.
Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show returns this weekend

Hundreds of vehicles and a range of family attractions are set to take over Harrogate Rugby Club this weekend as the Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show and Family Fun Day returns.
Solar panels installed at Ripon Leisure Centre to help cut energy bills

Nearly 1,000 solar panels have been installed at three North Yorkshire leisure facilities in a move that is set to reduce energy costs by hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Police make arrest after fight on Harrogate street

Police are appealing for information about a violent incident that occurred at Fairfax Avenue in Harrogate.
Harrogate IT business 'incredibly proud' to represent town at national awards

A Harrogate computer and IT business has been named as a finalist in four categories at the national Tech Awards 2026.
Harrogate school fair to showcase young musical talent

Young performers from Harrogate are set to take to the stage alongside professional musicians as part of a new live music event at Rossett Acre Primary School's annual Summer Fair.
Harrogate care team conquers 45km charity walk

A Harrogate care team has completed a 45km charity walk in scorching heat, raising more than £1,300 for two local organisations supporting older people.
Increase in shoppers being duped by AI 'High Street' scams

Shoppers hunting for online bargains are being duped by sophisticated scam websites that convincingly pose as well known UK high street retailers, North Yorkshire trading standards officers have warned.
Financial investigators brought in to examine council-owned house builder

North Yorkshire Council has brought in financial investigators to look into its loss-making housing company Brierley Homes, it has emerged.
Comedy legend to visit Harrogate as part of upcoming tour

Comedy icon Harry Enfield is set to visit Harrogate later this year as part of his latest UK tour.
Governors oppose battery storage site near Knaresborough primary school

The governing body of a primary school near Knaresborough has announced its opposition to plans for a large-scale battery energy storage system next to the school site.
Street rangers tackle benches and bird mess on Cambridge Street

Harrogate BID's Street Rangers have been carrying out cleaning work on Cambridge Street as part of ongoing efforts to keep Harrogate town centre looking its best.
Harrogate Cat Rescue issues update on kittens born with genetic condition

Two kittens with genetic bone problems have been making "fantastic progress" under the care of Harrogate Cat Rescue following an appeal to help meet ongoing vet expenses.
Harrogate MP launches campaign to save M&S café on Leeds Road

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has launched a campaign to 'save' the M&S café at the store on Leeds Road.
Paddling pool in Valley Gardens remains closed for maintenance

The paddling pool at Harrogate's Valley Gardens has been temporarily closed while further checks are carried out following issues identified during maintenance work.