Former detective takes on police over ‘improper’ speeding ticket, wins legal battle
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When we think of the police, we often imagine them as the enforcers of law and order, the ones who ensure that rules are followed to keep us safe on the roads.
However, what happens when the enforcers themselves make a mistake?
It turns out, even a simple error can have costly consequences, as one former detective found out after a run-in with his old colleagues over a speeding ticket.
Jeffrey Little, a former high-profile detective residing on the Central Coast, was pulled over in July for allegedly driving 26km/hr over the 90km speed limit on a stretch of highway.
However, Mr Little was adamant that he hadn't been speeding, and his conviction led him to challenge the penalty in court.
‘I knew in my heart of hearts,’ he asserted, that he was not in the wrong.
The legal battle that ensued racked up $4,477 in costs, a sum that the NSW Police were ordered to reimburse after the charge against Mr Little was withdrawn.
The decision was handed down in Wyong local court by Magistrate Alan Railton, who criticised the police for a series of errors that led to the improper speeding penalty, including failing to test and log the speeding device.
‘The officer in charge gave evidence the relevant tests were carried out but were not noted in the log,’ Magistrate Railton said.
Magistrate Railton refrained from passing judgment on the credibility of the officer who issued the ticket but was clear in his rebuke of the investigation's conduct, saying that ‘the investigation…was conducted in an unreasonable and improper manner’.
‘I am of the opinion that the failure to record the log and…failure to comply with NSW standard operating procedures amount to an improper manner.’
‘Any deviation from the standard operating manner is improper,’ he added.
He also questioned the public's trust in the accuracy of these devices if the procedure is not properly followed.
Outside the courtroom, the officer responsible for the fine declined to comment, as did a spokesperson for the NSW Police.
As part of his legal challenge against his former employer, Mr Little issued subpoenas that revealed several ‘improper’ practices related to the use of the LIDAR.
But he was vocal, stating, ‘No one hates a bad cop more than a good cop,’ highlighting his determination to challenge what he saw as an unjust penalty.
He was baffled why he wasn't just issued a caution, given his clean driving record of 36 years.
His motivation to pursue the case stemmed from being penalised for ‘something I hadn't done’.
This incident is particularly notable as Mr Little is the same Jeffrey Little known for leading a strike force into church officials to investigate allegations of child sexual abuse in the Maitland area.
His experience and background in law enforcement gave him unique insights into the procedural errors that could occur and the determination to seek justice.
In a recent case involving an improper speeding ticket issued to a former NSW police officer, the importance of fair and accurate enforcement has been highlighted.
This brings to light a broader issue of wrongful fines and the confusion that can arise from traffic violations.
Similarly, a woman recently found herself facing a hefty fine for speeding in a car she didn’t even drive, raising concerns about how such errors can occur and affect everyday Australians.
Have you ever felt that you received an unjust traffic fine? Do you know the steps to take to contest it? It's crucial to stay informed and to remember that you have the right to challenge penalties if you believe they are unfounded. Share your experiences with us in the comments below—your story could help others navigate similar situations.
However, what happens when the enforcers themselves make a mistake?
It turns out, even a simple error can have costly consequences, as one former detective found out after a run-in with his old colleagues over a speeding ticket.
Jeffrey Little, a former high-profile detective residing on the Central Coast, was pulled over in July for allegedly driving 26km/hr over the 90km speed limit on a stretch of highway.
However, Mr Little was adamant that he hadn't been speeding, and his conviction led him to challenge the penalty in court.
‘I knew in my heart of hearts,’ he asserted, that he was not in the wrong.
NSW Police were ordered to pay $5,000 to former officer Jeffrey Little for an ‘improper’ speeding ticket. Credit: Facebook / NSW Police Force
The legal battle that ensued racked up $4,477 in costs, a sum that the NSW Police were ordered to reimburse after the charge against Mr Little was withdrawn.
The decision was handed down in Wyong local court by Magistrate Alan Railton, who criticised the police for a series of errors that led to the improper speeding penalty, including failing to test and log the speeding device.
‘The officer in charge gave evidence the relevant tests were carried out but were not noted in the log,’ Magistrate Railton said.
Magistrate Railton refrained from passing judgment on the credibility of the officer who issued the ticket but was clear in his rebuke of the investigation's conduct, saying that ‘the investigation…was conducted in an unreasonable and improper manner’.
‘I am of the opinion that the failure to record the log and…failure to comply with NSW standard operating procedures amount to an improper manner.’
‘Any deviation from the standard operating manner is improper,’ he added.
He also questioned the public's trust in the accuracy of these devices if the procedure is not properly followed.
Outside the courtroom, the officer responsible for the fine declined to comment, as did a spokesperson for the NSW Police.
As part of his legal challenge against his former employer, Mr Little issued subpoenas that revealed several ‘improper’ practices related to the use of the LIDAR.
But he was vocal, stating, ‘No one hates a bad cop more than a good cop,’ highlighting his determination to challenge what he saw as an unjust penalty.
He was baffled why he wasn't just issued a caution, given his clean driving record of 36 years.
His motivation to pursue the case stemmed from being penalised for ‘something I hadn't done’.
This incident is particularly notable as Mr Little is the same Jeffrey Little known for leading a strike force into church officials to investigate allegations of child sexual abuse in the Maitland area.
His experience and background in law enforcement gave him unique insights into the procedural errors that could occur and the determination to seek justice.
In a recent case involving an improper speeding ticket issued to a former NSW police officer, the importance of fair and accurate enforcement has been highlighted.
This brings to light a broader issue of wrongful fines and the confusion that can arise from traffic violations.
Similarly, a woman recently found herself facing a hefty fine for speeding in a car she didn’t even drive, raising concerns about how such errors can occur and affect everyday Australians.
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