A WEST Devon man accused of being involved in a speeding scam was sentenced to a two-and-a-half year jail term at Salisbury Crown Court last week.

Clifford Mennell, 40, of Tavistock, sold false names and addresses to drivers, ?most of whom were heavy goods vehicle drivers?, enabling them to flout speed limits and escape prosecution.

The court heard that, in some cases, this meant drivers who risked fines, penalty points and even disqualification continued to hold their licences.

Mennell admitted eleven counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and was jailed for three months on each count ? a total of 33 months behind bars.

Following the hearing Inspector Paul Williams, of Salisbury Traffic Department, said: The fact that the drivers were able to speed with the knowledge that ?the ticket? would be sorted obviously has a serious effect on road safety and casualty reduction.

?This case should serve as a warning to others who may consider trying to evade justice.?

Wiltshire Police uncovered evidence of the scam, which affected camera safety units on roads across the country, while investigating a fatal road accident on the A303.

Police did not reveal exactly how the scam worked but said the parties involved in the collision were not directly concerned with it.

One of Mennell?s customers, 49-year-old Andrew Freeston from Wootton Bassett, also appeared at the hearing and was jailed for three months after admitting one count of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice relating to a speeding offence in Dumfries and Galloway.