Howzat! Mr Loophole gets Freddy Flint-off a speeding charge

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The 30-year-old England cricketer was due to stand trial at Liverpool Magistrates' Court to answer allegations that he drove a Volkswagen at 87mph in a 50mph zone.

Scroll down for more...

Cricketer Andrew 'Freddy' Flintoff, arrives at Liverpool Magistrates Court for driving offenses with celebrity laywer 'Mr Loophole' Nick Freeman

But it took the millionaire solicitor Nick Freeman - whose nickname derives from his success in helping to clear celebrity clients charged with motoring offences - less than a minute to persuade the judge the case should be dropped.

Flintoff spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth when he appeared in court.

The father of three, from Altrincham, Cheshire, was so far over the speed limit that he could have been banned from driving and fined up to £1,000 if found guilty.

However, Mr Freeman, who charges his clients around £10,000 per day, pointed out that the Crown Prosecution Service had broken legal rules by failing to serve their papers within two weeks of the alleged speeding offence being committed.

As a result, Sharon Bourne, prosecuting, was left with no choice but to offer no evidence and the case was dismissed by district judge Fiona Barrie.

Following the hearing, Mr Freeman said his client was "very relieved" the case was over.

"He just wants to get on with playing his cricket," the lawyer added.

"It is a fundamental importance in a speeding case that the notice of intended prosecution is sent and received within 14 days. This one wasn't."

Flintoff was allegedly clocked driving at 87mph by a speed camera on the west-bound carriageway of the M62 in Broadgreen, Liverpool, last July 1. Mr Freeman said the notice of prosecution did not arrive until July 19.

The lawyer's celebrity clients include Jeremy Clarkson, David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Manchester United manager was cleared of driving on the hard shoulder after Mr Freeman argued he had a stomach bug and was hurrying to use a toilet.