Flintoff Escapes Speeding Fine

Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, 30, has become the latest celebrity to escape a speeding fine thanks to celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman, also known as Mr Loophole.

The England and Lancashire cricketer escaped charges because his prosecution notice was sent two days late. Flintoff, who lives in Altrincham, near Manchester, faced charges after he was caught on a speed camera on 1st July last year apparently driving at 87mph in a 50mph zone on the M62 motorway in Liverpool.

The father-of-three was driving somebody else’s car when he was apparently caught speeding. The car’s owner, an unidentified woman from Bicester who had received the speeding ticket on behalf of Flintoff, joined the star cricketer at the hearing at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

At the brief hearing, Flintoff only spoke to confirm his details. The Crown offered no evidence at the hearing and thanks to his lawyer; Flintoff was soon acquitted of all charges.

Mr Freeman got his famous client off these charges when it was revealed that the police had posted his prosecution notice two days too late. As Mr Freeman explained outside the court: “It is fundamental in any speeding case that the notice is sent and received within 14 days.” Freemen went on to explain that the late arrival of prosecution notices was a common problem. He said: “It happens a lot, if people care to look at it.”

After the hearing, Mr Freeman said that his client was pleased to have put his speeding charge behind him. He said: “He is very relieved to have the matter disposed of. It happened last July and now he can concentrate on his cricket.”

Mr Freeman has become notorious for taking advantage of defects in police procedures in order to help his celebrity clients escape charges. Some of the top names that Mr Freeman has successful defended against driving offences include David Beckham, Ronnie O'Sullivan and the model Caprice.

Freeman first made a name for himself in 1999 while representing Sir Alex Ferguson. In the famous case, Freeman successfully argued that the Manchester United manager was forced to drive down a motorway’s hard shoulder because he had an upset stomach and desperately needed the toilet.

Source:

BBC
Guardian