This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/8355571.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Judge criticises striker's appeal | Judge criticises striker's appeal |
(2 days later) | |
A crown court judge has dismissed Tottenham and England footballer Jermain Defoe's appeal against a driving ban, calling it "frivolous". | A crown court judge has dismissed Tottenham and England footballer Jermain Defoe's appeal against a driving ban, calling it "frivolous". |
Defoe, 27, of Cuffley, Hertfordshire, appealed after being disqualified from driving in July. | Defoe, 27, of Cuffley, Hertfordshire, appealed after being disqualified from driving in July. |
Chelmsford Magistrates' Court had been told Defoe twice broke a 50mph speed limit on the M11 northbound in Chigwell, Essex, in 2008. | Chelmsford Magistrates' Court had been told Defoe twice broke a 50mph speed limit on the M11 northbound in Chigwell, Essex, in 2008. |
At magistrates' court his case was put by celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman. | At magistrates' court his case was put by celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman. |
At Chelmsford Crown Court Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC dismissed the appeal. | At Chelmsford Crown Court Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC dismissed the appeal. |
This appeal is a frivolous and vexatious piece of criminal litigation by the appellant and should never have been initiated Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC | This appeal is a frivolous and vexatious piece of criminal litigation by the appellant and should never have been initiated Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC |
Defoe was convicted of speeding and failing to inform the authorities who was driving his Land Rover car on each occasion. | Defoe was convicted of speeding and failing to inform the authorities who was driving his Land Rover car on each occasion. |
The vehicle was clocked driving at 65mph (105km/h) on 16 April and 81mph (130km/h) on 5 June. | The vehicle was clocked driving at 65mph (105km/h) on 16 April and 81mph (130km/h) on 5 June. |
Defoe was fined £1,500, disqualified from driving for six months, had 12 penalty points added to his licence and was ordered to pay £600 costs. | Defoe was fined £1,500, disqualified from driving for six months, had 12 penalty points added to his licence and was ordered to pay £600 costs. |
The footballer, represented by Mr Freeman, then appealed. | |
His defence claimed there was no evidence to prove he was driving and prosecutors had not proved paperwork was issued by a person authorised by the Chief Constable of Essex. | His defence claimed there was no evidence to prove he was driving and prosecutors had not proved paperwork was issued by a person authorised by the Chief Constable of Essex. |
It was also argued that the court could not be sure Defoe had received speeding notices and the court could not be sure Defoe had not responded to the notices. | It was also argued that the court could not be sure Defoe had received speeding notices and the court could not be sure Defoe had not responded to the notices. |
'Highly fanciful' | 'Highly fanciful' |
Judge Goldstaub said: "This appeal is a frivolous and vexatious piece of criminal litigation by the appellant and should never have been initiated. | Judge Goldstaub said: "This appeal is a frivolous and vexatious piece of criminal litigation by the appellant and should never have been initiated. |
"It is based on technical and legal points empty of substantial merit and bad in themselves." | "It is based on technical and legal points empty of substantial merit and bad in themselves." |
Defoe was represented by lawyer Nick Freeman, dubbed "Mr Loophole" | Defoe was represented by lawyer Nick Freeman, dubbed "Mr Loophole" |
The judge said paperwork had been completed by agents authorised by the chief constable. | The judge said paperwork had been completed by agents authorised by the chief constable. |
He said it was "inconceivable, or at best highly fanciful," to assume post addressed to Defoe had twice gone astray. | He said it was "inconceivable, or at best highly fanciful," to assume post addressed to Defoe had twice gone astray. |
The judge said he was equally sure Defoe had not responded to the notices. | The judge said he was equally sure Defoe had not responded to the notices. |
Judge Goldstaub, who sat with two magistrates to hear the appeal, said he was also sure Defoe had been the driver. | Judge Goldstaub, who sat with two magistrates to hear the appeal, said he was also sure Defoe had been the driver. |
The judge ordered Defoe to pay prosecution appeal costs of £1,570. | The judge ordered Defoe to pay prosecution appeal costs of £1,570. |
He said: "We would lay long odds that Mr Freeman, solicitor for the appellant, and his counsel, are remunerated on a very much higher level." | He said: "We would lay long odds that Mr Freeman, solicitor for the appellant, and his counsel, are remunerated on a very much higher level." |
The judge was told Defoe's driving ban began as soon as the appeal failed. | The judge was told Defoe's driving ban began as soon as the appeal failed. |
Defoe was not present in court to hear the judge's comments. | Defoe was not present in court to hear the judge's comments. |
Previous version
1
Next version