Grimsby driver defends warning others of speed gun Published duration 4 January 2011

media caption Michael Thompson said he was trying to prevent other motorists from braking dangerously

A driver prosecuted for flashing his headlights to warn motorists of a mobile police speed gun has defended his actions as his "civic duty".

Michael Thompson, 64, was pulled over by officers in Grimsby in July after warning several oncoming cars.

He was fined £175 and ordered to pay £250 costs after being found guilty of wilfully obstructing a police officer in the course of her duties.

Thompson said: "I flashed motorists to warn them of a hazard."

Thompson, of Augustine Avenue, Grimsby, was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge at the hearing at Grimsby Magistrates' Court.

'Right and lawful'

He said he was "very surprised" when he was pulled over by police.

"I explained I was doing my civic duty and the court found me guilty and I now have a criminal record."

He added: "I believe that speed traps cause vehicles to brake harshly at times.

"I stand by what I did. What I did was right and lawful.

"I believe it is a total waste of police time. The court time is now at a premium and this case took the best part of a day. It is a total waste of public money."

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has defended its decision to prosecute.

A CPS spokeswoman said: "Cost is not a consideration in our decision to prosecute.

"When a file is provided to the CPS from the police, it is our duty to decide whether it presents a realistic prospect of conviction and whether a prosecution is in the public interest.