Man Takes Blame For Son's Race Remarks

25 October 2012, 12:38 | Updated: 26 October 2012, 08:53

A Watford father who tried to take the blame for his son's racial remarks to neighbours has been fined £500.

When police were called to the dispute in Langley Way in Watford, 56 year old Mohammed Riaz claimed he had made the comments and not his son, a police officer in The Met.

On Wednesday Riaz appeared for sentence at St Albans Crown Court, having earlier been found guilty by a jury of perverting the course of justice.

Passing sentence on the father, Judge Michael Baker QC told him it was clear he and his family had been engaged in a long running row with their neighbours.

He said neither side was prepared to "give an inch" and it was against that background that the son had uttered the remark.

But with the police then involved said the judge, the father has "sought to take the blame and made a false statement."

Judge Baker then branded Riaz "obstinate, foolish and dishonest. In addition to the fine, Riaz was ordered to pay £500 towards the prosecution costs.