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Euro-MP gets out through loophole
A controversial "loophole" lawyer got a Euro-MP's speeding trial scrapped in South Yorkshire on the same day the county's chief constable faced a ban after admitting exceeding the limit.
Nick Freeman, who has represented celebrities including David Beckham and Jeremy Clarkson, represented North Yorkshire Tory MEP Timothy Kirkhope who was due to face trial at Sheffield Magistrates Court.
Kirkhope, 62, a former Westminster MP, was allegedly caught doing 35 mph in his Mercedes car in a 30 mph limit on Burngreave Road.
He already had nine penalty points on his licence and could have faced a ban if convicted.
But before the trial started Mr Freeman held discussions with prosecution lawyers and as a result they decided to offer no evidence against Mr Kirkhope, of Scotton, near Knaresborough. He was formally found not guilty by the court.
Speaking after the brief hearing, Mr Freeman said: "Mr Kirkhope is extremely relieved that this ordeal is behind him.
"He travels extensively in his car serving his area and any period of disqualification would have severely impacted on his ability to provide the quality of service that the area has become accustomed to."
Mr Freeman said at the time of the February incident his client had been distracted by roadworks as he returned from visiting researchers at Sheffield University.
He said the prosecution service made mistakes in serving evidence regarding technical issues with the speed camera in question, meaning evidence was invalid.
Crown Prosecution Service South Yorkshire chief Nigel Cowgill said the case was reviewed by a Crown prosecutor who decided there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of securing a conviction and the case was dismissed.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
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Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
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