Dave McLuckie faces jail for dodging driving ban

A former police authority chairman is facing a jail sentence after being found guilty of persuading a friend to accept three speeding points for him.

Dave McLuckie, who led Cleveland Police Authority, had denied trying to avoid a driving ban to protect his career.

A car, belonging to McLuckie, was clocked at 36mph in a 30mph zone at Carlin How in April 2005.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 52-year-old had told a friend he needed a "big favour".

Handwritten note

McLuckie, from Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, already had nine points on his licence when he approached Maurice Ward.

The Redcar and Cleveland councillor was vice-chairman of the police authority at the time of the offence.

The deception came to light after Mr Ward fell out with McLuckie when he became ill with cancer and felt his former friend had not visited him enough, the court heard.

Mr Ward, who died in January last year, had written a note saying he had taken the points.

Outside court, McLuckie said he accepted the verdict but said he was "deeply disappointed".

"I intend to leave politics for good," he said. "I will never return to politics.

"It's now time for me to get ready to do what's handed down to me and that's what I intend to do. I intend to then, hopefully, start a new chapter in the life of David McLuckie."

'Witness intimidation'

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Tom Blenkinsop said: "No one is above the law, and that applies to every elected politician and public servant.

"The Labour Party should not - and will not - tolerate this type of illegal behaviour."

Judge David Wood warned McLuckie a jail term was likely when he is sentenced next month. He was bailed while pre-sentence reports are prepared.

As the trial proceeded, officers from Operation Sacristy - the long-running investigation into allegations of corruption at the police authority - revealed McLuckie had been charged with an offence of intimidating a witness in May.

He is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Friday in relation to that matter.