Devon Police Sergeant Fired Over Dodgy Speeding Excuse
A Devon & Cornwall police sergeant has been sacked without warning after being caught submitting a misleading document to dodge a speeding fine.
Speeding Cover-Up Backfires
Police Sergeant Timothy Perrin, who joined the force in 2004, faced a two-day public misconduct hearing in June 2025 at Torquay’s Riviera International Conference Centre. The panel ruled he breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour for honesty and integrity, as well as discreditable conduct.
The controversy centres on an incident from August 20, 2023. Sgt Perrin was caught driving 48mph in a 30mph zone while on his way to a custody suite. His personal car wasn’t insured for any business use, and he wasn’t covered by police emergency driving rules.
Dodgy Document Dinged Police Credibility
After receiving a Notice of Intended Prosecution, Perrin submitted a formal statement, claiming his speeding was due to operational necessity. But the panel found he deliberately crafted this document to mislead, falsely suggesting he was responding to an urgent call and that his journey was vital to police operations.
Temporary Assistant Chief Officer Lucy Baillie, chairing the panel, said Perrin’s actions “lacked integrity” even if not outright dishonest. They noted his 20-year clean record but stressed that integrity is “absolutely central” to policing. His conduct risked damaging public trust.
“This officer was prepared to submit an intentionally misleading document in the hope of avoiding a penalty. That goes to the root of what is expected of a professional police officer… He should have told the unvarnished truth rather than engaged in spinning the facts.”
Evidence Shows No Urgent Call Was Made
The hearing uncovered more: Sgt Perrin’s claim of an urgent police call en route to plymouth/" title="Plymouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Plymouth was false. His radio hadn’t been used all August 2023, proving no emergency contact had been made.
The panel concluded Perrin’s misconduct was a deliberate attempt to gain personal benefit. Dismissal without notice was deemed the only suitable punishment to protect public confidence and uphold police standards.
What’s Next for Sgt Perrin?
The disgraced officer has the right to appeal the ruling through the Police Appeals Tribunal – but his future looks bleak after this serious breach of trust.
