A TAXI driver who lied about speeding and going through a red light has been jailed.

Ahmad Rastinsani, 55, was clocked driving a Streamline Taxi vehicle in Brighton at 37mph in a 30mph zone.

He had already racked-up six points on his licence in one year, and knew if he gained any more points his taxi licence would be reviewed.

Brighton and Hove City Council rules state drivers who get seven or more points in one year have to take an assessment test.

So Rastinsani lied about the driver, claiming a friend from Iran was driving the vehicle at the time. But records showed it was he who was driving the Mercedes.

When questioned, he claimed he had made an honest mistake, but Lewes Crown Court heard how the Iranian man had not been in the country since 2016.

Rastinsani admitted perverting the course of justice.

Judge Mark Van Der Zwart said the public must have confidence in the authorities and taxi drivers.

He jailed Rastinsani, of Mackie Avenue, Brighton, for two months.