Justice?

Sir,
I feel that the following may possibly be of interest to you. On October 18th I was “caught” by a police radar speed trap in Wadhurst, East Sussex. As a number of others were similarly stopped, Court proceedings were held on two separate dates, My case was heard on December 7th and I was fined £10 and had my licence endorsed although it was my only offence in 30 years’ driving in the British Isles and Europe. At the second hearing held on December 21st it was proved that the prosecution was in the wrong because of a technicality over street lighting and 30 m.p.h. repeater signs and all cases were dismissed. It was stated in the local press that the Chief Constable was writing to those brought before the Court at an earlier date to “explain the position.” I waited until January and then contacted my solicitor who in turn communicated with the Chief Constable. He received a reply stating that I must apply to the Home Office for a free pardon. Again my solicitor contacted the Chief Constable and pointed out that in previous cases of this nature where the authorities were at fault the police had applied for free pardons for all concerned. The police then replied agreeing to this and saying that a free pardon for all concerned had been applied for. I am still waiting to receive this and the return of my £10 and the removal of the endorsement from my licence.

I should like to add that when I was ordered to pay £10 1 was given seven days in which to pay. I have now been waiting six months for the authorities to return my money when I shall, of course, have solicitors’ fees to meet.

Is this British Justice?