A SPEEDING Warwickshire motorist who tried to wriggle out of penalties by quoting medieval laws has been hit with a fine of over £1,000 – prompting a warning from police.
Warwickshire Magistrates’ Court sentenced George Edward Thomas, 28, of Banbury Road in Stratford, to six points on his licence and ordered him to pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge amounting to over £1,000 for failing to identify the driver in relation to a speeding offence.
The owner’s vehicle was caught driving at 58mph in a 50mph limit through temporary road works last December.
He received a Notice of Intended Prosecution requiring him to confirm the identity of the driver, but instead chose to send documents quoting medieval laws and customs, and demands for millions of pounds – a move which police say is on the rise.
Inspector Dave Valente of Warwickshire Police said: “This driver found out the hard way that trying to avoid a speeding prosecution could cost them a lot more than responding in accordance with the Road Traffic Act.
“It is really sad that this driver is required to pay over £1,000 in various court costs, and received six points on his licence, when he was eligible for a speed awareness course outcome instead.”
He said it was not a one-off case.
He added: “We have noticed an increase in those who quote this type of material to avoid the consequence of a speeding offence. Drivers who respond with extensive demands based on ancient medieval customs will not evade prosecution.
“We would much prefer to educate and change behaviour first, and for drivers to attend a speed awareness course where eligible – you can do one every three years if the excess speed is within a threshold – but this driver gave us no choice and the case was sent to court.”
