Motorbike news

Marine in court after speeding fine results in motorcycle paint job

A Royal Marine has been found guilty of perverting the course of justice after going to extreme lengths to avoid the long arm of the law.

39-year-old Corporal Gary Philips, who is based in Devon, was flashed doing 75mph in a 40mph zone on his motorcycle in August 2005. But instead of paying the fine, he decided to get out the spray can and give his bike a good going over.

With his motorbike changed from black to silver he told the authorities that he had not been using it on the day the speeding ticket had been issued and claimed that his number must have been cloned.

An investigation soon discovered Philips' trick, however, and he was summoned to appear at Plymouth Crown Court. The subsequent trial lasted for two days and he was eventually found guilty by the bench.

PC Duncan Russell from the Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership commented on the case, saying, "Some people will go to extraordinary lengths to change the look of their vehicle and attempt to avoid their obligations for an offence, and clearly that's not good advice to take at all."

He has now been released on bail and will be sentenced on 29th September.