Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2010/08/09/dyslexia_defence/
Ton-up speed merchant blames dyslexia
103mph? Can't read the speedometer, officer
Posted in Bootnotes, 9th August 2010 07:45 GMT
A 40-year-old speed merchant clocked doing 103mph in a 60mph zone blamed dyslexia for his extravagant speed.
A concerned driver called in cops after spotting Matthew Cook "weaving in and out of traffic as he sped along the A27 between Falmer and Hollingbury in East Sussex", Brighton's The Argus reports.
Witnesses said terminally-ill Cook was "smoking a cigarette and gesticulating at other drivers while passing their vehicles".
Cue a date with Hove Crown Court, where prosecutor John Marsden Lynch explained: “He told the police officer that he did not understand the speed dial because he was suffering from dyslexia.”
Recorder Christopher Morris-Coole said was “sceptical” about this defence, and slapped Cook - who admitted dangerous driving - with a three-year driving ban. He also ordered him to take an extended driving test. ®