Cradley Heath mum in court after covering up for uninsured son (From Halesowen News)

Cradley Heath mum in court after covering up for uninsured son

9:57am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

A DEVOTED Cradley Heath mum took the rap for her son after he crashed her car, telling police she had been the driver, a court heard.

Karen Smith was given a four month jail sentence suspended for a year after admitting covering up for her son who was not insured.

The 51-year-old businesswoman, of Wagon Street, pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court to perverting the course of justice.

She was also ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work in the community and to pay £2,964 costs.

Simon Hans, defending, said it had been a “silly lie” because the accident was the other driver’s fault.

"It was all rather pointless and it has put her in a serious position,”said Mr Hans, adding: “She made a very foolish decision."

The court was told Smith's Renault Clio had been written off in the accident, which happened in Netherton, and sold for scrap.

Mr Hans added: "She feels a profound sense of embarrassment for what she has done."

Judge Amjad Nawaz said witnesses saw two men jump out of the car after the collision but Smith then informed police she had been the driver.

"You maintained that story right up to your trial date," he said, adding: "You effectively decided to cover up for your son and that was a very foolish act."

The judge said it was a serious matter because it struck at the "very heart of the justice system".