Liverpool Echo reports that Darren and James Moffitt, 36 and 28 respectively, were arrested for perverting the course of justice in covering for Gary Cranney, a Dangerous Driving suspect.
Liverpool Crown Court records show that Cranney had run several red traffic lights in attempt to Evade Police before finally crashing his Lexus into the front garden of a house at around 11 p.m.
Cranney blamed Darren for the incident, citing to the police that his car was stolen and that Darren was responsible for Dangerous Driving.
Darren, who has a learning age of 11, said that he was the driver of the vehicle.
James also backed him up in making the same false claim.
On the opening day of a trial last month, the brothers admitted to lying in order to cover up for Cranney, who is on the run from police.
Darren has 35 previous convictions for other offenses that include dealing Class B drugs and dishonesty, while his brother James has 17 previous convictions including theft and burglary.
Judge Norman Wright ruled that the brothers played a role in Cranney’s Dangerous Driving scheme.
Both brothers were sentenced to jail.
Queenslanders charged with DUI Drink Driving, Drug Driving or Fail To Provide Specimen face a maximum penalty of a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, 9 months imprisonment and 28 penalty units.
Persons charged with Careless Driving (Drive Without Due Care & Attention) face a maximum penalty of a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, 6 months imprisonment and 40 penalty units.
Queenslanders charged with Dangerous Driving, which is a Criminal offence, face a maximum penalty, depending upon the circumstances of aggravation, of 5 years imprisonment, 200 penalty units and a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification.
Persons charged with Disqualified Driving face a maximum penalty of a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, 12 months imprisonment and 40 penalty units.
Queenslanders charged with Evade Police a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment, 200 penalty units and a lifetime licence disqualification.
Persons charged with Repeat DUI Drink Driving, Repeat Drug Driving, Repeat Fail To Provide Specimen, or a Repeat combination of these offences, face a maximum penalty of a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, 18 months imprisonment and 60 penalty units.
A penalty unit in Queensland is currently worth $113.85.
In addition to the above penalties, anyone who pleads or is found guilty in the Magistrates Court must pay the Offender Levy, which is presently worth $110.90.
Magistrates have a general power to impose up to a lifetime driver’s licence disqualification, above and beyond any legislated disqualification ranges.
Wiseman Lawyers specialise in DUI Drink Driving, Drug Driving, Careless & Dangerous Driving, Evade Police and Drug, Alcohol & Traffic offences.