Nigerian-born British lawmaker, Onasanya, jailed for perverting justice

A Nigerian-born British lawmaker, Fiona Onasanya, has been sentenced to three months in prison for lying in order to avoid a speeding ticket.

According to The UK Guardian, Onasanya, who is a Member of Parliament (MP) for Peterborough, was jailed after the court found her guilty of perverting the course of justice.

She would serve half her sentence, according to the report.

Also, Festus Onasanya, the lawmaker’s, who pleaded guilty to three similar charges, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment.

It was earlier reported that the Old Bailey in London heard in evidence that the former solicitor was texting and speeding on the evening of July 24, 2017, while driving at 41mph in a 30mph zone.

The prosecution alleged that Onasanya then went on to connive with Festus to avoid a speeding ticket.

Further still, the court heard that she was sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution to fill out, but it was sent back, naming the driver as Aleks Antipow, an acquaintance of Festus, who was away visiting his parents in Russia.

Onasanya has been expelled from the Labour Party and has launched an appeal against her conviction.

While delivering the judgement, Justice Stuart-Smith said, “It’s a tragedy that you have found yourselves here and in this predicament, but it’s a tragedy that you have brought on yourselves.”

The judge said further that Onasanya’s decision to remain as an MP was beyond the powers of the court.

“As things stand, it is not right to say that you have lost everything. You have decided to remain as a member of parliament despite your expulsion. It is well beyond the remit of this court to speculate on what the future holds for you as Member of Parliament for Peterborough,” he added.

Alluding to the fact that Onasanya suffers from multiple sclerosis, Stuart-Smith said health and her previous good character had been taken into account during sentencing.