Pc 'was caught driving at 159mph'

Pc Milton arriving at court on Monday at the start of his trial

A policeman was captured by an on-board video driving at speeds of up to 159mph, a court has heard.

Ludlow magistrates were shown the footage of Pc Mark Milton speeding on the M54 near Telford, Shropshire.

The speed was called "eye watering" by prosecutors who also said Pc Milton had driven at 131mph on a nearby A-road.

The West Mercia police officer, who is also accused of driving at 91mph in a 30mph zone, has denied speeding and dangerous driving.

Second trial

Pat Sullivan, prosecuting, admitted there had been some dispute over the speeds the camera had recorded but added: "The prosecution say broadly these (speeds) are accurate and we can use them as a guide.

"Pc Milton was travelling at eye watering speeds," he said. "There had not been an accident, but there might well have been."

I was advised to familiarise myself with vehicles Pc Mark Milton, in a statement

Insp David McWilliam, based at Telford police station with Pc Milton, told the court the constable had told him he was experimenting with the Vauxhall Vectra as he had not driven it before.

"He said to me 'I have no excuses, I was trying to see what the vehicle could do'," said the inspector.

Later in December Milton made a statement under caution to investigating officers.

Second trial

He said in the statement, which was read out in court, he had taken an advanced driving course and the reason for his high-speed driving was to practise the skills he had learnt.

"I was advised to familiarise myself with vehicles, so when there was a need to respond at speed you were aware of its performance."

He also claimed the speed recorded by the on-board camera was different to the actual speed of the car.

It is the second time Pc Milton has faced the charges in court.

A retrial was ordered in February by the High Court, which ruled the district judge erred in law when acquitting the officer of dangerous driving last May.

The trial is due to last four days.