Mr Loophole strikes again to get Andrew Flintoff off speeding charge

May 7 2008

Multimedia Background image for 'Andrew Flintoff in court'

The father-of-three was allegedly speeding in a temporary 50mph zone on the M62 near Huyton, Liverpool, on July 1, 2007.

But speaking outside court, Mr Freeman said: “It is fundamental in any speeding case that the notice is sent and received within 14 days.”

But the document only arrived on July 19 – “It happens a lot if people care to look at it,” said Mr Freeman.

The controversial player, whose drunken antics have been widely reported, was driving someone else’s car when it was captured on film.

The owner who received the notice, an unidentified woman from Bicester, attended court to give evidence but was not needed.

Flintoff, dressed in a grey suit and brown shoes, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

He declined to speak when he left court, but Mr Freeman said: “He is very relieved to have the matter disposed of.

“It happened last July and now he can concentrate on his cricket.”

The crown had wanted to produce “bad character” evidence against Flintoff, said Sharon Bourne, prosecuting.

But the hearing, which had been listed for trial, was dealt with quickly by Deputy District Judge Fiona Barrie, after Miss Bourne offered no evidence.

“There were lots of other issues too but we don’t need to go into those,” said Mr Freeman as he left court.

Flintoff, of Altrincham, Cheshire, signed autographs for court staff before walking to a waiting Volkswagen 4x4.

Mr Freeman is renowned for successfully defending high-profile clients.

His celebrity defendants include David Beckham, the model Caprice, snooker’s whirlwind Ronnie O’Sullivan and Sir Alex Ferguson.

He successfully defended the Manchester United boss in 1999 when he was caught driving along the hard shoulder of the motorway.

He was rushing to find a lavatory after being hit by a bout of diarrhoea, said Mr Freeman.