Speeding at 159mph and got away with it!

[Matt]

Right I have started a few threads about the police in the past (A women drinking/eating, she got fined. Neighbours got broke into the police wouldn't even come to their house! e.t.c) and how shite they are, most people agree with how shite I say they are, some people disagree, but this story is an absoloute joke;

A police constable who reached 159mph on a motorway has been cleared of speeding and dangerous driving.

Pc Mark Milton, 38, from Telford, Shropshire, was recorded by the patrol car's video camera on the M54 in 2003, Ludlow Magistrates' Court heard.

District Judge Bruce Morgan acquitted him after calling the constable the "creme de la creme" of police drivers.

Pc Milton is trained in advanced driving and was "familiarising" himself with a new car, the court was told.

'Lack of policy'

The officer, who is also trained in the use of firearms, was recorded travelling at 159mph on the motorway near Telford in the early hours of 5 December 2003.

In reaching his verdict, Mr Morgan noted that two police officers who gave evidence for the prosecution, including West Mercia Police's senior driving instructor, had declined to classify the defendant's driving as dangerous.

But he added: "I can't help but see the irony that those that brought this prosecution are those very people who have purchased cars that go at this speed and paid for him (the defendant) to go to learn to drive at these speeds."

The magistrate also expressed concern at West Mercia Constabulary's "total lack of policy" on when and where police drivers should practise driving at very high speeds.

But speaking after the case, a police spokesman said the force was to clarify the guidance issued to advanced drivers.

Prosecution 'appropriate'

Referring to the prosecution brought against Mr Milton, the spokesman said: "Members of our own staff identified that an offence may have taken place and began an investigation.

"The Crown Prosecution Service determined that a prosecution was appropriate."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) said it was shocked that such a speed was not regarded as dangerous by the court.

Kevin Clinton, head of road safety, said: "Police are governed by health and safety laws just the same as any other employer.

"We don't believe 159mph can ever be justified on public roads.

'Honing skills'

"Even in emergencies we consider that driving at 100mph or more is too dangerous."

But the Police Federation defended the driving of Pc Milton, who is also known to have travelled at 120mph in a 60mph zone and at more than 60mph in a 30mph zone.

Speaking on the steps of the court, Insp Keith Howes, said: "Pc Milton was driving in accordance with his training, honing his skills while possible and testing the vehicle's capabilities so that if he was required on an urgent call he would be driving safely."

The court heard the roads on which Pc Milton drove were deserted at the time of the patrol and that driving conditions were good.

Excuses, excuses....

Police stick together don't they?

Police

[Steven]

Right I have started a few threads about the police in the past (A women drinking/eating, she got fined. Neighbours got broke into the police wouldn't even come to their house! e.t.c) and how shite they are, most people agree with how shite I say they are, some people disagree, but this story is an absoloute joke;

A police constable who reached 159mph on a motorway has been cleared of speeding and dangerous driving.

Pc Mark Milton, 38, from Telford, Shropshire, was recorded by the patrol car's video camera on the M54 in 2003, Ludlow Magistrates' Court heard.

District Judge Bruce Morgan acquitted him after calling the constable the "creme de la creme" of police drivers.

Pc Milton is trained in advanced driving and was "familiarising" himself with a new car, the court was told.

'Lack of policy'

The officer, who is also trained in the use of firearms, was recorded travelling at 159mph on the motorway near Telford in the early hours of 5 December 2003.

In reaching his verdict, Mr Morgan noted that two police officers who gave evidence for the prosecution, including West Mercia Police's senior driving instructor, had declined to classify the defendant's driving as dangerous.

But he added: "I can't help but see the irony that those that brought this prosecution are those very people who have purchased cars that go at this speed and paid for him (the defendant) to go to learn to drive at these speeds."

The magistrate also expressed concern at West Mercia Constabulary's "total lack of policy" on when and where police drivers should practise driving at very high speeds.

But speaking after the case, a police spokesman said the force was to clarify the guidance issued to advanced drivers.

Prosecution 'appropriate'

Referring to the prosecution brought against Mr Milton, the spokesman said: "Members of our own staff identified that an offence may have taken place and began an investigation.

"The Crown Prosecution Service determined that a prosecution was appropriate."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) said it was shocked that such a speed was not regarded as dangerous by the court.

Kevin Clinton, head of road safety, said: "Police are governed by health and safety laws just the same as any other employer.

"We don't believe 159mph can ever be justified on public roads.

'Honing skills'

"Even in emergencies we consider that driving at 100mph or more is too dangerous."

But the Police Federation defended the driving of Pc Milton, who is also known to have travelled at 120mph in a 60mph zone and at more than 60mph in a 30mph zone.

Speaking on the steps of the court, Insp Keith Howes, said: "Pc Milton was driving in accordance with his training, honing his skills while possible and testing the vehicle's capabilities so that if he was required on an urgent call he would be driving safely."

The court heard the roads on which Pc Milton drove were deserted at the time of the patrol and that driving conditions were good.

Excuses, excuses....

Police stick together don't they?

Police

110909[/snapback]

Absolute joke. <_<

[Anish]

Disgusting.

[C-man]

So if we got a new car and sped at 159mph could we get away with it by saying 'i was getting aquainted with the new car'?

[Matt]

So if we got a new car and sped at 159mph could we get away with it by saying 'i was getting aquainted with the new car'? 

110994[/snapback]

On the news they we're basically saying its the police forces fault, or the police force we're to take the blame because it was them who gave him the car.

So, If I got a company car, or jumped in the company van and went speeding, the company would have to take the blame? I don't think so...

For 2 years I am on probation whilst driving because i've just passed (Can only get 6 points or i'm banned) but i'm sure if I was in a company vehicle and I was speeding at 159mph I would get an automatic ban, yet it is vertually the same scenario at this/these bent coppers are in...

[Shum]

bang out of order!

[Cat Burger]

I could say the F word but I won't

[Steven]

Would you trust this man? <_<

[Chimp]

Speaking on the steps of the court, Insp Keith Howes, said: "Pc Milton was driving in accordance with his training, honing his skills while possible and testing the vehicle's capabilities so that if he was required on an urgent call he would be driving safely.

Piss off.

This is an absolute frickin disgrace.

[Nationwider]

Having got 6 points on my licence for doing 34 and 35 in a 30mph zones, I'd like to wish the gentleman concerned the very best for the future.

Actually, I wouldn't. <_<