It has been reported that a van driver, who was filmed watching pornography and masturbating as he drove, has been let off with a fine and no endorsements on his driving licence.
The van driver, Leo Baldwin was tracked down after an 11-month police investigation following dash cam footage being published and going viral.
Baldwin was spotted by another motorist on the M25 as he watched pornography on his mobile phone and was clearly seen holding his penis in his hand.
On being found by the police and appearing in court, Baldwin admitted to outraging public decency.
However, it was reported that because Baldwin did not face a motoring offence it meant that he didn’t get any points on his driving licence.
Reports continue that he could not be charged for a driving offence owing to legal time limits.
Some commentators have argued that had he been found sooner, he could have been charged with careless driving or even dangerous driving.
A spokesperson from the road safety charity Brake! stated: “Driving is an incredibly hard task and any unnecessary distraction whilst driving, is cause for concern.
“Driver distraction is thought to be one of the biggest contributory factors in devastating serious crashes on our roads.
“That’s why all drivers need to have their hands on the wheel and keep their minds completely focused on the road at all times and not attempt to multi-task – any distraction could be fatal.”
A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesman said: “Baldwin was charged with the most serious offence possible in this case.
“Also, the possible relevant driving offences, such as using a mobile phone while driving, are six-month summary only offences.
“This means that the charge must be submitted to a magistrate within six months of the offence being committed.
“Due to the nature of this investigation – the offence, which occurred in December 2015 was not reported until January, there was extensive work to identify and locate the offender and extensive work to locate the original owner of the video of the offence – this time had passed when the case was brought to court.”
At the time of the incident, Baldwin was working as an agency driver for tile firm WB Simpson and Sons.
A director of the firm stated: “He was an agency driver and we were as disgusted by his actions and danger to others as everyone else.
“He was dismissed immediately at our insistence to the agency, and we assisted the police in every way.”
One popular newspaper tracked Baldwin down to his home address where he was seen getting out of his car wearing a Royal Mail uniform.
When questioned by the press, Baldwin refused to make any comment other than he was currently taking anti-depressant medication.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
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