Appeal over 159mph police officer

Pc Milton was cleared of speeding earlier this year

The Crown Prosecution Service has lodged an appeal in the case of a police officer recorded driving at 159mph on a motorway two years ago.

Pc Mark Milton was cleared of speeding and dangerous driving in May after saying he was "familiarising" himself with a new patrol car on the M54.

The judge described the 38-year-old from Telford, Shropshire, as the "creme de la creme" of police drivers.

The constable is trained in advanced driving.

The appeal has been lodged at the Divisional Court of the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Ludlow Magistrates were told the officer, who is also trained in the use of firearms, was recorded travelling at 159mph on the deserted motorway near Telford in the early hours of 5 December 2003.

District Judge Bruce Morgan expressed concern at West Mercia Constabulary's "total lack of policy" on when and where police drivers should practise driving at very high speeds.

But speaking after the case earlier this year, a police spokesman said the force was to clarify the guidance issued to advanced drivers.