A DRIVER who blamed a mystery Mexican for driving his car above the speed limit has avoided a prison sentence.

Businessman Michael Tatem, 64, lied to police by claiming Carlos De La Vega was at the wheel of the Alfa Romeo.

Mr Tatem could not provide any evidence for the man's existence, Plymouth Crown Court heard.

He was handed a suspended prison sentence after a judge was told he was in the advanced stages of multiple sclerosis.

Mr Tatem's solicitor said he was confused at the time and was no longer able to drive.

Judge Paul Darlow said: 'The reason why these types of offence are serious is because they undermine the administration of that aspect of justice. These were lies you persisted in for some period of time, giving the police and therefore the tax payer additional expense.'

Mr Tatem, of Gulworthy, had earlier admitted willingly making a false statement (otherwise than on oath) contrary to the Perjury Act 1911.

The court heard his Alfa Romeo went through a camera in Plymouth's Tavistock Road at 53mph — 13mph above the speed limit on January 25 last year.

Alistair Verheijen, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said police sent Mr Tatem a notice to nominate the driver. He wrote back giving the name and an address which was later found to be a bunker in Mexico.

Mr Verheijen said the police could not find Mr De La Vega over several months.

Mr Tatem later admitted he had been the driver but still insisted that Mr De La Vega was a friend whom he could not contact.

Mackenzie Robinson, for Mr Tatem, admitted his account had been 'fantastical'. He added he was in the advanced stages of multiple sclerosis and handed the judge medical reports.

Mr Robinson said: 'The effect on his memory and his confusion is quite marked. It seems a strange thing to do.' He added that Mr Tatem had a portfolio of six properties he rented out to tenants in Plymouth, but four were un-let and his business was 'crumbling'.

Judge Darlow handed Mr Tatem a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must pay £1,000 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.