TV presenter cleared over ticket

Tiff Nedell (R) was defended by Nick Freeman, dubbed 'Mr Loophole'

Former racing driver and TV presenter Tiff Needell has been cleared of failing to supply details in relation to a speeding ticket.

Mr Needell, 55, presenter of Channel Five's Fifth Gear, said he did not receive a letter from the police.

Pontypridd magistrates told the father-of-three from Wiltshire and ex-presenter of the BBC's Top Gear the case against him would be dismissed.

The chair told him his "evidence has been both consistent and truthful".

He was defended by Nick Freeman - dubbed Mr Loophole - who has become well-known for representing celebrity clients, usually on motoring offences.

The prosecution also offered no evidence in relation to a separate charge of speeding.

During his career as a racing car driver Mr Needell competed in the British Formula Three series, the British Touring Cars championship, and completed the Le Mans 24-hour race 14 times.

I am a man of good character and I find it insulting to my character to suggest I didn't deal with the letter when it arrived Tiff Needell

He also tried his hand at Formula One, driving in two Grand Prix for the Ensign team in 1980.

His television career began in the mid-1980s and went on to present the BBC's Top Gear for 14 years until the show was temporarily cancelled in 2001.

'No idea'

Mr Needell, who also advertises a system to warn drivers of speed cameras, was accused of breaking the 70 mph speed limit in his black BMW 550i Sport in May.

But he told the court he had "no idea" who was driving the car on the day it was photographed.

He also denied receiving the original notice of intended prosecution from the police.

"I am a man of good character and I find it insulting to my character to suggest I didn't deal with the letter when it arrived," he said.

The court heard Mr Needell had a clean driving licence as three points from a conviction four years ago had expired.