A former West Yorkshire Police staff member received a suspended prison sentence after admitting falsely claiming responsibility for a speeding offence to protect the real driver.

Kasey Howarth, 43, who worked in the force’s Central Process Bureau handling speeding tickets, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice after an investigation overseen by the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

Howarth declared that she had been driving a speeding Ford Transit van, despite knowing that it was driven by her co-accused, James Burrow.

The force placed her on restricted duties once the investigation began, and she resigned while under investigation.

Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said: “The public quite rightly expect all of our officers and staff to act with honesty and integrity both on and off duty, and Ms Howarth has clearly breached those standards here.”

Both Howarth and Burrow admitted the offence at Leeds Crown Court on 10 September, and the sentencing took place on 14 November, with Howarth receiving a nine-month sentence and Burrow a six-month sentence, both suspended for one year.

They were also ordered to pay costs and complete 200 hours of community work.