In a recent court case, scientist Sadia Khanom, 28, was initially fined £1,000 after her luxury Porsche was caught speeding at 142mph near her former university. However, the case against her was dismissed when it was revealed that her mother was driving at the time of the offence.

Khanom, known for developing a 'revolutionary' disinfectant spray during the Covid pandemic, was convicted of failing to provide information concerning the driver's identity. The incident occurred while she was away on business.

The details came to light when Khanom hired a lawyer to reopen the case after it was found that her mother, F'Moni Khanom, had received a prosecution notice but 'forgot' to inform Khanom. Following this revelation, charges of speeding and failing to provide documents were dropped at Chester Magistrates' Court when prosecutors accepted her explanation.

Authorities are unlikely to charge her mother due to the time elapsed since the incident last March. Khanom resides in Southleigh Grange, Beeston, Leeds, and had been pathing her way towards a PhD focused on Alzheimer's research prior to the incident.

During the pandemic, Khanom founded Voltique, producing an electric spray designed to combat pathogens. The product was well-received, leading to £10 million in orders from governments and corporations after successful trials with the NHS, NASA, and independent laboratories.

The speeding incident was reported in March when Khanom's Porsche, equipped with a 7-speed semi-automatic gearbox, was caught on a speed camera near the University of Chester. Following a lack of response to initial driver details requests, Khanom was charged.

Initially, she faced penalties including a £660 fine, £354 in additional costs, and six points on her licence. However, as the case progressed into October, her lawyer entered a not guilty plea and a trial was set for this month.

Before the trial began, Khanom's lawyer, Akef Akbar, communicated with prosecutor Miss Val Tonkinson, who agreed to drop the charges based on new evidence. During the hearing, Miss Tonkinson explained that Khanom was not driving at the time and was elsewhere for work.

Post-hearing, Mr. Akbar successfully applied for a 'defendant’s costs order', which mandates that Khanom's legal fees be covered by central funds.

Aside from her scientific achievements, Khanom co-directs a restaurant business in Liverpool. She developed an interest in science at age 14, motivated by her grandfather's battle with Alzheimer's. Khanom has pursued studies in biomedical science at Salford University and earned a Master's degree from Chester University.

During the Covid pandemic, Khanom worked in her parents' Indian restaurant, witnessing the severe impact of the pandemic firsthand. She remarked in an interview, “We are born in this world for a reason, to make a difference and to follow our passion." Khanom feels a strong sense of responsibility to contribute positively to society.