Crime Solicitors

A motorist caught speeding in West Wales has said he cannot attend his motoring offence hearing because it falls on the Sabbath – and attending on that day would be against his religion.

Charles Lawson, 60, from Telford in Shropshire is a follower of the Ecclesia Bible Church, which is based in Texas. The non-denominational church calls itself a “church without religion”.

The Sabbath varies for followers of the Ecclesia Bible Church and Mr Lawson says the Tuesday appointed for his motoring offence hearing would fall on the Sabbath according to the church’s calendar – in December, the church’s “holy days” fall mostly on Tuesdays.

A spokesman for Mold Magistrates’ Court said Mr Lawson would have to write to the court to change the date of the hearing – but as no correspondence had been received, the court was still expecting Mr Lawson to attend to set a date for his trial for speeding.

It is alleged Mr Lawson was caught on a speed camera doing 37mph in a 30mph zone. He is disputing the charge, saying the speeding fine of £60 he was given is based on a “lie”.

Mr Lawson says although he was on the road at the time the speeding ticket was issued, he was not driving in the alleged location in Bontddu, West Wales – but was sent images from a speed camera supposedly showing his vehicle on the road at Bontddu travelling 7mph above the speed limit and heading in the direction of Barmouth.

However, Mr Lawson says at the time he was travelling 70 miles away in his campervan, which has a kilometre clock – another reason he says he cannot agree with the mph speeding charge.

Mr Lawson has already attended court on a previous occasion but did not admit to the offence he is charged with.

“At the first court hearing, I said I couldn’t admit to have been speeding in the direction of Barmouth as it was a lie,” he said.

Mr Lawson said the court would not accept the fact his speedometer is in kilometres as an excuse for not accepting the speeding charge. He is due in court at Mold today (24/12/13).

Duncan Lewis Solicitors for motoring offences

Duncan Lewis is a firm of criminal solicitors and can offer legal advice and representation for motoring offences, including speeding offences, drink-drug (DUI) driving offences and charges relating to reckless driving.

For expert legal advice on motoring offences, contact Duncan Lewis solicitors on 020 7923 4020.