The ex footie ace was accused of driving a Bentley at 59mph in a 40mph zone – but his lawyer successfully argued the prosecution letter was ONE DAY late
FOOTIE idol David Beckham posted an Instagram snap moaning about London’s traffic – as he sparked fury by being cleared of speeding.
The ex-England captain had admitted doing 59mph in a 40mph zone at the wheel of a £200,000 on-loan Bentley on the A40 in Paddington on January 23.
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While travelling in a black Range Rover to the station Beckham complained about the traffic in the capitalCredit: Instagram
But with the help of celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman, dubbed “Mr Loophole”, he successfully pleaded not guilty after claiming the papers were served a day late.
He was cleared after a court heard the delay voided the charge.
Last night infuriated speeding groups accused the former Manchester United star of “shirking responsibility”.
Joshua Harris of safety group Brake blasted him for using “a technicality” to escape.
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David Beckham was pictured in London today as his lawyer fought off his speeding offence in courtCredit: Splash News
He said: “It’s hugely disappointing to see a role model like David Beckham shirking his responsibility and getting off a speeding prosecution on a technicality.
“At the speed he was reported to be travelling, his stopping distance would be double that of someone driving within the limit — he should count himself very lucky that no incident occurred.”
Nick Lloyd, road safety manager for The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: “The greater the speed, the longer it will take to stop and the more serious the injuries that could be sustained. Speed limits are set for a reason.
“We hope David learns from this experience and understands that his actions could potentially have put his life and others in danger.”
Angry parents took to Facebook to slam dad-of-four Beckham as a “bad role model” for their kids.
One wrote: “If he’d hit a child at that speed it would have died. We have limits for a reason.”
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The former Real Madrid footballer was seen at King’s Cross St Pancras International station todayCredit: Splash News
Beckham, of Holland Park in West London, did not attend the trial at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.
He was instead spotted at King’s Cross St Pancras international station, home to the Eurostar.
It’s thought the 43-year-old dad was travelling to Paris for the city’s fashion week. His wife Victoria is already in the French capital.
He posted an Instagram snap of himself captioned: “Angry…London traffic.”
Sat in the back of a Range Rover, Beckham was wearing a beanie hat and sunglasses and posing with his hand behind his head.
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People took to Twitter to slam the ex-footie ace
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Beckham had fully admitted being caught speeding on the A40 at Paddington at 5.37pm on January 23.
But Mr Freeman successfully argued that Bentley in Crewe – registered keepers of the on-loan Bentayga 4×4 – did not get the notice of intended prosecution until 15 days later.
Traffic laws state drivers must be informed of a pending action against them within a fortnight – making the notice one day late.
As she cleared the footballer after a five-and-a-half hour case, District judge Barbara Barnes said: “The notice of intended prosecution was one day outside the legal limit.”
She added: “As a result of my finding then the defendant in this case can’t be convicted.”
Beckham said through his lawyer after the case: “I am very relieved with the verdict and very happy with my legal team.”
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David Beckham’s solicitor Nick Freeman, pictured today, has been dubbed ‘Mr Loophole’ for representing several celebrities facing driving charges
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It’s thought Beckham is en route to Paris to meet up with his wife (pictured today) for the city’s Fashion WeekCredit: The Mega Agency
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David Beckham seen out buying flowers in London with his young daughter Harper in his BentleyCredit: Vantage News
The high-profile celebrity lawyer has previously represented the likes of ex-cricketer Andrew Flintoff, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
Almost 20 years ago, Mr Freeman helped Beckham win an earlier appeal against an eight-month driving ban.
Beckham made his name as a midfielder at Manchester United in the 1990s before going on to play for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
He also earned 115 caps for the national side.
