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/6166724.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
TV presenter cleared over ticket | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Former racing driver and TV presenter Tiff Needell has been cleared of failing to supply details in relation to a speeding ticket. | |
Mr Needell, 55, presenter of Channel Five's Fifth Gear, said he did not receive a letter from the police. | Mr Needell, 55, presenter of Channel Five's Fifth Gear, said he did not receive a letter from the police. |
Pontypridd magistrates told the father-of-three from Wiltshire and ex-presenter of the BBC's Top Gear the case against him would be dismissed. | |
The chair told him his "evidence has been both consistent and truthful". | The chair told him his "evidence has been both consistent and truthful". |
He was defended by Nick Freeman - dubbed Mr Loophole - who has become well-known for representing celebrity clients, usually on motoring offences. | |
The prosecution also offered no evidence in relation to a separate charge of speeding. | The prosecution also offered no evidence in relation to a separate charge of speeding. |
During his career as a racing car driver Mr Needell competed in the British Formula Three series, the British Touring Cars championship, and completed the Le Mans 24-hour race 14 times. | During his career as a racing car driver Mr Needell competed in the British Formula Three series, the British Touring Cars championship, and completed the Le Mans 24-hour race 14 times. |
I am a man of good character and I find it insulting to my character to suggest I didn't deal with the letter when it arrived Tiff Needell | I am a man of good character and I find it insulting to my character to suggest I didn't deal with the letter when it arrived Tiff Needell |
He also tried his hand at Formula One, driving in two Grand Prix for the Ensign team in 1980. | He also tried his hand at Formula One, driving in two Grand Prix for the Ensign team in 1980. |
His television career began in the mid-1980s and went on to present the BBC's Top Gear for 14 years until the show was temporarily cancelled in 2001. | |
'No idea' | 'No idea' |
Mr Needell, who also advertises a system to warn drivers of speed cameras, was accused of breaking the 70 mph speed limit in his black BMW 550i Sport in May. | Mr Needell, who also advertises a system to warn drivers of speed cameras, was accused of breaking the 70 mph speed limit in his black BMW 550i Sport in May. |
But he told the court he had "no idea" who was driving the car on the day it was photographed. | But he told the court he had "no idea" who was driving the car on the day it was photographed. |
He also denied receiving the original notice of intended prosecution from the police. | He also denied receiving the original notice of intended prosecution from the police. |
"I am a man of good character and I find it insulting to my character to suggest I didn't deal with the letter when it arrived," he said. | "I am a man of good character and I find it insulting to my character to suggest I didn't deal with the letter when it arrived," he said. |
The court heard Mr Needell had a clean driving licence as three points from a conviction four years ago had expired. | The court heard Mr Needell had a clean driving licence as three points from a conviction four years ago had expired. |
Previous version
1
Next version