SUMMARY
Stopped on the M4 at 1am in Dec 2005 by Wiltshire Constabulary patrol car. 2 PCs were up on a ramp in their car and had zapped me at a distance of just over 600m with LTI 20/20 used in hand held mode.
Alleged speed: 104MPH
Verbal NIP given, summoned to magistrates court 2 months later.
I have been representing myself in court, but have employed one of the solicitors who advertise on this site to prepare arguments and deal with CPS.
I am the registered keeper of the vehicle, hold a full UK licence with 3 points on it.
MY DEFENCE
Since the LTI 20/20 was not mounted on a tripod, the reading cannot be relied upon at this distance (a deflection of only 1.85mm of the end of the gun is enough for the beam to change lanes). This is compounded by the fact that the carriageway was unlit, it was a cloudy night, it was pitch black and there was other traffic on the road (the officers had first seen me "overtaking other vehicles").
CURRENT STATUS
Pleaded guilty to speeding, but at 85MPH not 104MPH
Attended PTH in Feb, then main hearing last week, having sent the CPS a copy of my technical arguments. I discussed the case with the prosecutor before the court session who then informed me that he had never seen my arguments before. It turns out the CPS had failed to send them to the prosecutor, despite having them for over 2 weeks. Hearing adjourned. They are now going to examine my arguments and report back to the court at an "administrative hearing" in 3 weeks, which I do not need to attend. At this stage they will state whether they are dropping the case or going for full prosecution.
ADVICE NEEDED!
I am trying to gather evidence to prove that the LTI 20/20 is unreliable when used in hand held mode above 400m. I note from several websites that the device has been banned in the states above 400m unless used on a tripod.
What I could really do with is the following:
1) The LTI 20/20 user's manual
2) Some concrete evidence/copies of reports about the findings in the USA
3) Any other decent evidence that shows the device should be on a tripod at this distance!
Any ideas where I can lay my hands on any of this info?
Any other comments on this welcome.
Many thanks
Mark