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http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/4495072.Speed_convictions_quashed_after_paperwork_blunder/
Anti-speed camera campaigners say the hearing could lead to thousands more motorists following their lead fearing they too were the subject of unsafe convictions.

Southampton Crown Court heard how speed camera bosses signed and wrongly backdated a vital certificate proving when Mr Halliwell had been sent a notice of prosecution.

Consultant Barry Culshaw, who has been helping the duo fight the case, has called for an investigation.

He said: "If anyone is concerned about their own case then they should seek legal advice."

Hampshire Police refused to comment on whether the case had damaged the credibility of the speeding prosecution process or whether there had been an internal investigation.

Superintendent Robin Jarman, Head of Hampshire Constabulary's Criminal Justice Department, said different procedures had been put in place since 2006.

He added: "The case revealed a non-deliberate procedural error.

"At present, the constabulary is satisfied that the error does not affect the prosecution process as defined by law."

Southampton Crown Court heard how speed camera bosses signed and wrongly backdated a vital certificate proving when Mr Halliwell had been sent a notice of prosecution.

It was dated October 27, 2004 but it was revealed in court that it had actually been signed in February 2005.

It was sent to magistrates as part of evidence against the 66- year-old ...

Superintendent Robin Jarman, Head of Hampshire Constabulary's Criminal Justice Department, said different procedures had been put in place since 2006.

He added: "The case revealed a non-deliberate procedural error.

FIASCO
Now thousands may have their convictions overturned following landmark court case
By Julian Robinson
THOUSANDS of motorists in Hampshire could get their speed camera convictions quashed following a landmark court hearing.
Two drivers launched a successful legal challenge after it emerged the speeding allegations against them were based on false documents.
Proceedings against Michael Halliwell and Barrington Wells, pictured below, collapsed because of a paperwork blunder.
Speed camera opponents say the hearing could lead to thousands more motorists following their lead. • Full story on page 5.

Thursday. July 16, 2009
HAMPSHIRE: Speeding Cases dropped after prosecution admits documents were backdated
fines victory -
is YOUR conviction safe?
By Julian Robinson
Julian.robmson@dailyecho.co.uK For up-to-the-minute news and information - dailyecho.co.uk

THOUSANDS of Hampshire motorists may have their speed camera convictions quashed following a landmark court hearing.
Two Hampshire motorists have had their convictions overturned after it emerged the allegations against them were based on false documents.
Proceedings against Barrington Wells and Michael Halliwell collapsed because of a paperwork blunder.
Speed camera opponents say the hearing could lead to thousands more motorists following their lead fearing they too were the subject of unsafe convictions.

Southampton Crown Court heard how speed camera bosses signed and wrongly backdated a vital certificate proving when Mr Halliwell had been sent a notice of prosecution. It was dated October 27, 2004 but it was revealed in court that it had actually been signed in February 2005.
It was sent to magistrates as part of evidence against the 66-year-old, but yesterday cases against both men were dropped after prosecution lawyers admitted the document, sent from Winchester central ticket office, was false.

Prosecutor Michael Forster said: "The Crown has decided to offer no further evidence because the whole of the prosecution has been based on documents that are false and that is not a thing that should properly happen."
Mr Wells. 65, of Waterloo Road. Southampton, and Mr Halliwell of Newlands Manor, Evertpn, have spent five years fighting their convictions after a district judge found them guilty of exceeding the temporary 30mph limit through roadworks on the A35 Redbridge Road.
They were both caught on camera, recorded driving at 38mph and 43mph respectively but fought the fines on the basis there were no signs warning of the temporary speed limit.
Consultant and Inpendent witness Richard Bentley said: "It would appear many thousands of drivers were taken to court and those prosecutions were based on the same documents that the Crown admitted were false. Clearly many thousands of motorists may well be able to have their convictions quashed and points removed."

Another consultant Barry Culshaw, who has helped the duo fight the case, said nearly 500 people contested prosecutions after being caught at Redbridge in 2004. He has called for an investigation saying: "If it happened in Mr Halliwell's case - and there was a reasonable inference that it happened in Mr Wells' case - surely the suspicion is that it will relate to everyone who ended up in court? The implication to me is that it was systemic and an investigation needs to be carried out to establish the scale of the problem. If anyone is concerned about their own case they should seek legal advice."
Hampshire Constabulary refused to say whether the case damaged the credibility of the speeding prosecution process or if there was an investigation. Supt Robin Jarman, head of the force's criminal justice department, said different procedures had been used since 2006. He added: "The case revealed a non-deliberate procedural error. At present the constabulary is satisfied that the error does not affect the prosecution process as defined by law."

Who is affected by the case?
It could apply to anybody who went to court over a speeding ticket issued n Hampshire around 2004 and 2005.
should you do if you think you are affected?
• Act quickly.
• Preferably seek legal advice, but apply to magistrates to reopen on 'interest of justice' grounds.
• If that doesnt work, those who originally pleaded not guilty but were found guilty may be eligible for a special hearing at crown court.
• Keep an eye out for any police announcements about the issue.
COURT BATTLE: Michael Halliwell, left, and Barrington Wells were fined for speeding or the A35 Redbridge Road in Southampton.
Echo picture by Matt Watson. Order no: 8888!

It was sent to magistrates as part of evidence against the 66-year-old, but yesterday cases against both men were dropped after prosecution lawyers admitted the document, sent from Winchester central ticket office, was false.

Supt Robin Jarman, head of the force's criminal justice department, said different procedures had been used since 2006. He added:"The case revealed a non-deliberate procedural error. At present the constabulary is satisfied that the error does not affect the prosecution process as defined by law."