CPS defends speed gun warning driver prosecution
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has defended a decision to prosecute a driver who flashed his lights to warn motorists of a mobile police speed gun.
Michael Thompson, 64, was pulled by officers in Grimsby in July after warning several oncoming cars.
He was fined £175 after being found guilty of wilfully obstructing a police officer in the course of her duties.
Some have questioned if the prosecution was a waste of resources but the CPS said it was “deemed appropriate”.
Thompson, of Augustine Avenue, was also ordered to pay £250 costs and a £15 victim surcharge at the hearing at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court.
He claimed he was flashing his headlights merely to try to warn motorists to prevent them braking dangerously when they saw the mobile speed trap.
A CPS spokeswoman said: “Cost is not a consideration in our decision to prosecute.
“When a file is provided to the CPS from the police, it is our duty to decide whether it presents a realistic prospect of conviction and whether a prosecution is in the public interest.
“In accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors a prosecution was deemed appropriate.”
BBC News – CPS defends speed gun warning driver prosecution
my screen name becomes more appropriate as times goes on ay.
