May 5, 2021 11.17 am This story is over 49 months old

Van driver accused of blocking speed camera avoids trial

He accepted a police caution
He was accused of parking his van at the rear of the speed camera vehicle for two hours. | Photo: Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership

A Lincolnshire van driver who allegedly blocked a mobile speed camera by parking in front of it will not face a trial.

Michael John Masterson was due before Lincoln Magistrates last week after he was charged with obstruction of a police support officer in the course of their duty.

Masterson, 51, of Burringham Road, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, had previously denied the offence .

His trial was due to go ahead at Lincoln Magistrates Court on April 29. However, the case was discontinued at a hearing the day before his trial and he was excused appearing in court.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesman confirmed the case had been discontinued after Masterson accepted a police caution relating to the matter.

Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, who operated the camera, also confirmed the trial was discontinued after Masterson accepted a police caution.

A spokesman for Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership said: “Masterson accepted a police caution and therefore the case is discontinued.

“The acceptance of a police caution is an acceptance of guilt although the punishment is a warning.”

Prosecutors had claimed that Masterson drove past a mobile police speed camera van operated in the village of Scotter, Lincolnshire.

Masterson allegedy then returned and parked his van at the back of the camera van.

It was claimed Masterson then opened his rear door upwards, obscuring the line of sight of the camera for two hours.

Masterson allegedly did not spend any significant time in the rear of the van, and sat in the drivers seat using his mobile phone.

After the incident in May last year Masterson was charged with obstruction of a police support officer in the course of their duty.

He appeared at Lincoln Magistrates Court on December 4 where he entered a not guilty plea.

After taking legal advice Masterson denied causing the obstruction in the village of Scotter, between Gainsborough and Scunthorpe, on May 18, 2020.

The case was adjourned for trial after Masterson insisted he was waiting for a delivery that did not show up.

Footage of the incident was due to be played at Masterson’s trial before his case was discontinued.