A MIX up over an insurance policy led a man to present a forged certificate to magistrates.

Marian Dinita, of Lower Mill, Purton, appeared before magistrates in Swindon yesterday and pleaded guilty to driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone and driving without insurance.

The court heard that, on June 22 this year, the defendant was stopped in his BMW by police in Great Western Way.

After clocking Dinita’s excess speed, a quick inspection by police revealed that he did not have a suitable insurance policy.

But Dinita, 28, who represented himself and spoke through a Romanian interpreter, insisted that he had bought insurance, and he said he had even brought a copy of the policy along to show magistrates.

However, after a quick deliberation, the certificate was thought to be a forgery by magistrates.

Explaining the confusion surrounding his insurance policy, Dinita said: “When I bought the car, the people at the car shop wouldn’t let me drive it without insurance.

“I had just arrived in the UK and didn’t know anything about insurance.”

He said he contacted a friend who helped him sort out the insurance policy there and then.

And he added: “I gave them all the details and I was able to drive the car away from the garage.

“I do not understand why this car insurance is not valid.”

But the insurance company insisted to the court that they had no record of a policy being taken out.

Dinita’s case was adjourned until January 30, when the offence of speeding will also be dealt with by magistrates.