Former police officer Abdul Iqbal jailed for four months after attempting to shift blame for drunk driving.
She stressed the seriousness of his crime. She said it undermines the justice system. As a police officer, he knew better. The public trusts officers to uphold the law.
The prosecutor said someone saw a speeding car. This was at 3:30 AM last May near Blacker Hall Farm. Police found Iqbal’s damaged car. It was partly on the pavement.
Iqbal denied drinking, but his breath smelled like alcohol. He texted someone, “Tell them you were the driver.” He then spoke in Punjabi, admitting guilt. He worried about losing his job as an officer.
A breath test showed he was over the limit. He claimed he drank after crashing. Police found no alcohol in his car. Iqbal didn’t comment initially. He later admitted guilt to several charges.
The prosecutor said officers must always act appropriately. Iqbal’s lawyer said he used alcohol to cope with stress. The lawyer said Iqbal felt remorseful. He lost his career because of his actions.
The judge sentenced him to jail and banned him from driving. A police official said Iqbal endangered others. They also said he tried to evade justice. He was dismissed because of his actions. They didn’t think he could become a good officer.