A SPEEDING motorist who used his friend's identity to save himself a fine was caught out when it was discovered the retired businessman was in Spain at the time of the offence.

Robin Pengelly was amazed to find his close friend Brian Watkins-Gill had given police his name and address to try and escape the speeding ticket.

Mr Pengelly, 63, who used to live at Travershees Cottage, in Pound Lane, Exmouth, but retired to the Costa Del Sol, in Spain, with his partner Aileen six years ago, has spoken to the Echo of his "anger and hurt" at being betrayed by a man he considered a good friend.

Watkins-Gill, 64, avoided jail at his sentencing for giving false details at Bristol Crown Court.

He was given a six-month prison term suspended for two years, ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and fined £500.

He was found guilty of perverting the course of justice at a trial in July.

Mr Pengelly first suspected the foul play when he returned to Exmouth in June last year for the summer and updated his driving licence.

It was returned to him with six penalty points and details of a mysterious fine totalling almost £600 for a speeding offence in Plymouth on May 7, 2008.

"I was amazed when I discovered what Brian had done," said Mr Pengelly.

"He had been a good friend, I couldn't believe this had happened.

"He was one of my top three friends, we went away together, we socialised and he even visited me in Spain."