31/01/2006

Pc's driving acquittal challenged

A court's decision not to convict a police officer caught driving at 159mph is being challenged by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Pc Mark Milton, 38, from Telford, Shropshire, was recorded by the patrol car's video camera while driving on the M54 in the early hours of the morning in December 2003.

Pc Milton had been trained in advanced driving skills and said that he was "familiarising" himself with the new car.

He was acquitted by District Judge Bruce Morgan at Ludlow Magistrates' Court, who described him as the "crème de le crème" of police drivers.

However, the DPP is now requesting the High Court to set aside Judge Morgan's decision.

Judge Morgan had taken into account the fact that two police officers, including West Mercia's Police's senior driving instructor, who provided evidence for the prosecution, had refused to classify Pc Milton's driving as dangerous. However, he also expressed concern at West Mercia Police's "total lack of policy" on when and where police should practice driving at high speeds.

A police spokesperson later said that the force would clarify guidance issued to advanced drivers, such as Pc Milton.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents had said it was shocked that the court did not regard the speed at which Pc Milton had been driving as dangerous.

(KMcA)


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