A lawyer known as 'Mr Loophole' has helped former football star David Beckham avoid prosecution over a speeding charge.
The former England football captain, was accused of driving a loaned Bentley at 59mph in a 40mph zone in Paddington on London.
However, lawyer Nick Freeman had argued a speeding notice arrived one day too late.
The lawyer previously helped Beckham overturn an eight-month driving ban in 1999, after successfully arguing he was trying to escape a paparazzi photographer.
David Beckham Photo: Photosport
However, she was satisfied on the evidence heard it did not in fact arrive until 7 February - one day outside the statutory 14-day window.
Summing up, she said the law allowed for the "vagaries" of the postal system to be taken into account.
She said: "What I find is the fact it did not arrive in the post room of Bentley Motors Ltd until 7 February and therefore was one day outside the legal limit.
"The defendant in this case cannot be convicted."
Analysis
Solicitor Nick Freeman has been dubbed Mr Loophole for his success at using legal technicalities to get celebrity clients acquitted of driving offences.
His clients have in the past included cricketer Andrew Flintoff, explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and golfer Colin Montgomerie.
In 1999 Mr Freeman successfully defended former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who had been accused of driving down the hard shoulder of a motorway.
His defence? Sir Alex was simply looking for a toilet because he had an upset stomach.
-BBC
