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Dentist blamed dead mum for speeding ticket

13/10/2008

A SHAMED dentist blamed a speeding ticket on his dead mum in a desperate bid to dodge a driving ban.

Tariq Idris was flashed by a police speed camera at 54mph in a 40mph zone along Princess Road in Manchester.

He was sent a notice of intended prosecution in the post, but filled in his dead mother's details instead of his own.

The dentist, once a consultant lecturer at Manchester University who has practices in Chester and London, already had six points and feared losing his licence.

His deceit emerged at a General Dental Council hearing on Friday, where Idris could have been suspended from his job.

But he was let off after the panel ruled his fitness to practice was impaired, but he was only given a formal reprimand.

Panel chairman Julie Macfarlane said although he was dishonest, Idris did not pose a danger to the public.

The hearing was told he was sent the NIP after the incident in December 2006, but filled in his dead mother's details and returned it in March 2007.

He blamed his mother Gulam Idris, who had died only weeks earlier, to avoid accumulating 12 points and a ban.

Police sent another notice to her address, but it was returned by the dentist's brother, saying she had died in January 2007.

Idris was arrested and and admitted his guilt. He was cautioned for perverting the course of justice on May 25.

The dad-of-four claimed he wanted to `hang his head in shame' after the `perverse' decision to blame his dead mother.

Sarah Campbell, for the GDC, said it was `a dishonest act' and called for his suspension. But Shaheen Rahman, defending, said his `aberration' had already been dealt with by a police caution - he had suffered with the loss of his mother and the embarrassment and shame of involving her.

Idris, of Upton, Chester, admitted receiving the police caution - and that his conduct was dishonest.

The panel ruled `it is not in the public interest and it would be disproportionate to restrict (his) practice'.