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/wales/north_west/8590537.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Officer appeals 98mph speed case Officer appeals 98mph speed case
(about 2 hours later)
A policeman caught driving at 98mph, nearly twice a 50mph limit, should not have been prosecuted, it is claimed.A policeman caught driving at 98mph, nearly twice a 50mph limit, should not have been prosecuted, it is claimed.
Sgt Craig Nicholas Jones, 40, an organised crime officer, is appealing against a speeding conviction. A decision is expected next week. Sgt Craig Nicholas Jones, 40, an organised crime officer, is appealing against a speeding conviction while on duty. A decision is expected next week.
His barrister Simon Gurney claimed at Caernarfon Crown Court that it was an "abuse of process".His barrister Simon Gurney claimed at Caernarfon Crown Court that it was an "abuse of process".
He said North Wales Police had adopted a policy of not enforcing the speed limit because 50mph signs were unlit.He said North Wales Police had adopted a policy of not enforcing the speed limit because 50mph signs were unlit.
Mr Gurney said this should have applied to Sgt Jones, when he was caught on the stretch of the A55 expressway concerned, at Colwyn Bay.Mr Gurney said this should have applied to Sgt Jones, when he was caught on the stretch of the A55 expressway concerned, at Colwyn Bay.
PrisonerPrisoner
The barrister also insisted that, as the signs did not comply with regulations because their lighting had failed, Sgt Jones' conviction should be overturned.The barrister also insisted that, as the signs did not comply with regulations because their lighting had failed, Sgt Jones' conviction should be overturned.
Mr Gurney said: "His knowledge of the speed limit isn't a relevant factor."Mr Gurney said: "His knowledge of the speed limit isn't a relevant factor."
A district judge fined Sgt Jones, an advanced police driver, £500 and banned him for 90 days at Llandudno last December.A district judge fined Sgt Jones, an advanced police driver, £500 and banned him for 90 days at Llandudno last December.
The penalties were lifted ahead of the appeal.The penalties were lifted ahead of the appeal.
He had denied speeding late at night last April while taking a prisoner in a police VW Golf to Caernarfon, but was convicted.He had denied speeding late at night last April while taking a prisoner in a police VW Golf to Caernarfon, but was convicted.
The crown court judge and two magistrates who head the case are to give their decision next week.The crown court judge and two magistrates who head the case are to give their decision next week.