Today I appeared by telephone to the Magistrates Court in Ceduna SA.
I was asked by the Magistrate my side of what happened, and after hearing what I said, the presiding officer said to the court he would accept a guilty plea of speeding at 121kph in a posted 110kph zone. The speed Mr Whitehead had admitted to in correspondence relating to the expiation notice.
It was explained by the Magistrate to me and I was asked what I would like to do. I plead guilty to a speed of 121 in a 110kph zone, then I was asked if I had anything further to say. I said that I have owned my motorcycle for 8 plus years and this was the very first speeding ticket I have been issued in over 150,000k's of travelling.I also added that I wasn't consciously speeding and my speed had slightly increased due to my inattention.I also told the court that I have an application to SAPOL under FOI for the tickets prior and after mine and had not at this point received anything more other than a request to clarify my request. The magistrate asked the officer if he had anything to say about my response.He answered No.
The Magistrate s accepted my guilty plea and told me He would record NO CONVICTION, He then asked the presiding officer if he accepted the finding.
The officer replied, Your Honor may I add the original fine imposed was $789 and 5 points demerit and that you (the Magistrate) take that into consideration. The Mag.. then asked me for further information regarding my health and income, to which I gave him the relevant info.the Magistrate then proceeded by saying " I find you John Whitehead guilty by explanation to speeding at 120 kph and make NO Conviction Recorded. I fine you $200 for the offence and a further $160 court establishment fee and $100 for... 'something else added..' I cant remember exactly what' and you would also receive the demerit points accordingly for the charge".
He then told me I will receive in writing a notice of fine and details and methods in which I can pay.
I am glad I took the stance I did in contesting the 'alleged speed' and think I was successful in my case. I upheld my integrity
and received an outcome I am happy with.
I never denied I was above the limit, I only every questioned the integrity of the radar unit and
its operator. I will happily now pay the expiation fine imposed and put this all behind me.
STranger wont be happy , I think he would love to have gone on another adventure more than halfway across the paddock. I think I will use the $$ saved in standing up for myself and go on another long ride, being more aware of my speed at all times.
MATTER CLOSED.
