A SCIENTIST escaped a speeding fine after a mobile phone system he devised showed that a police speed camera clocked him at 12mph more than he was going.

The new tracking system, likened to an aircraft's black box, could now be used to challenge the controversial issue of speed cameras.

Dr Phillip Tann, whose business Autopoietic Systems (Tann Ltd) is based in Birtley, Gateshead, was hauled before Sunderland magistrates after police claimed he was doing 42mph in a 30mph limit, but records from his own invention convinced prosecutors he was doing less than the permitted 30mph.

The case has now been discontinued and the 45-year-old technology firm boss said the ruling could open the floodgates for other hapless motorists accused of speeding.

Full story in tomorrow's Northern Echo