'Speed guns don't work,' says police superintendent clocked driving at 79mphBy Claire Ellicott
Last updated at 10:10 AM on 20th August 2010
A senior policewoman clocked speeding is challenging the charge by claiming that the speed gun used by her own force was not accurate.
If she wins, it could open the floodgates to thousands of appeals from motorists across the country who have been caught using the devices.
Superintendent Helen Chamberlain, 43, was recorded driving at 79mph on a road with a 50mph limit.
She was given a verbal warning by the officer who stopped her. But a more senior officer disagreed with the decision and asked the Crown Prosecution Service to review the case.
Supt Chamberlain, from Harworth, Nottinghamshire, who works for Nottinghamshire police's city division, pleaded not guilty to a charge of speeding at Nottingham magistrates' court on Wednesday.
Ian Boddy, defending, said that questions over the accuracy of the speed gun test result would form the basis of her not guilty plea.
He added that he would also seek to challenge the process that led to the decision to overrule the initial warning and the quality of traffic signs on the road she was caught on.
But Brian Gunn, prosecuting, said the defence would mean that expert technical witnesses would have to be called.
He also raised questions over why the officer failed to challenge the caution she was given when she was initially caught, adding: 'I would want to, under cross examination, ask the defendant why she did not challenge this at the time.'
Seven witnesses are now expected to be called at Supt Chamberlain's trial in October. She was released on unconditional bail prior to the trial but has not been suspended from duty during the case, senior police sources confirmed last night.
Test case: If Superintendent Chamberlain wins, it could open the floodgates to thousands of appeals from motorists who have been caught using speed guns (file picture)Last year, a police officer who was caught driving at 98mph in a 50mph zone claimed the speed limit was not enforceable because the signs were not lit.
Sergeant Craig Nicholas Jones, an organised crime officer with North Wales Police, was taking a prisoner from Colwyn Bay to Caernarfon when he was stopped.
The 40-year-old was fined £500 by Llandudno magistrates, with £1,000 costs.
Another policeman caught speeding at 100mph last year told a court he had been late for work. Matthew Stott was allowed to keep his licence despite admitting the charge.
Nottinghamshire police and the Home Office both declined to comment on an ongoing case.
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