Former Police Officer Imprisoned for Lying About Speeding Offense

A former police officer has received a jail sentence after confessing to perverting the course of justice by providing false information regarding a speeding violation. Sabrina Kaur, aged 23 and residing in Luton, was employed as a police community support officer with Bedfordshire Police at the time the offense occurred in April 2022. Ms. Kaur, who subsequently became a police officer, was handed a 16-month prison sentence by Judge Philip Grey at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday. The court heard that she had consented to “take the points” on behalf of the driver, with whom she had been in a “short relationship.” Prosecutor Gavin Pottinger informed the court that on the evening of April 28, 2022, a speed camera recorded Ms. Kaur’s Mercedes traveling at 53mph (85km/h) in an area designated as a 30mph (48km/h) zone. Mr. Pottinger stated that fellow Police Community Support Officer Michael Tura, who possessed a provisional driving license, was operating the vehicle, while Ms. Kaur was a passenger. According to Mr. Pottinger, Ms. Kaur lacked sufficient driving experience to supervise a learner driver, and the car was not displaying “L” plates. She asserted that she was the driver, resulting in a £472 fine from a magistrate and the addition of six penalty points to her license. Mr. Pottinger noted that Ms. Kaur was off duty at the time the offense took place. Mr. Pottinger further stated that in 2023, she confessed to her police colleagues that she had “agreed to take the points,” leading to a subsequent investigation. Ms. Kaur requested that Mr. Tura “maintain” her version of events if questioned by investigators; however, he secretly recorded their discussion. Earlier this year, she pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, and Bedfordshire Police confirmed her resignation from the force. Minal Rajshakha, Ms. Kaur’s defense lawyer, informed Judge Grey that her client and Mr. Tura had been involved in a “short relationship.” The lawyer characterized Ms. Kaur’s actions as “stupid, misguided loyalty.” The judge was informed that Ms. Kaur was currently employed in a sports shop and was “getting on with it.” He also learned that her parents were “very active” within the Luton community. Judge Grey noted that Mr. Tura had denied having a relationship with Ms. Kaur. The judge further remarked that Ms. Kaur “bizarrely” disclosed her actions to colleagues. “Nobody wants to think that those who are responsible for policing our state are dishonest or corrupt,” he stated. “Actions of this kind undermine the entire system of justice,” he added. Following the hearing, Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst commented: “The behaviour displayed by this officer was an appalling breach of trust, for which there is no place in our force.“This was a calculated course of conduct by the officer who sought to mislead the justice system and in turn the public.” Mr. Tura also faced charges of perverting the course of justice but was acquitted at his trial. Adil Rahman, in his 20s, was similarly charged with the same offense, which he denied; however, prosecutors presented no evidence against him. For updates on Cambridgeshire news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.