26th July 2007 : Middleton Guardian

LOG-ON FOR A LEGAL LOOPHOLE WITH CHRIS

TOP motoring lawyers charge thousands an hour but a man who succesfully challenged a speeding fine is sharing his secrets for a tenner.

Chris Burton, of Middleton, spent hours on the internet and reading legal books at the library to build up his case.

Now the TV cameraman, whose case of speeding on Alan Turing Way in Eastlands was dismissed, has set up his own website offering help to those who can't afford huge legal fees.

`Mr Loophole' lawyer Nick Freeman charges thousands and has succesfully representing celebrities including Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and ex-Red David Beckham. But Mr Burton, 34, reckons it's unfair only the wealthy can challenge judgments.

Thousands have already paid the £9.99 to sign up to www.casedismissed.co.uk which offers legal tips and police statements.

Mr Burton said: "My livelihood depends on my car so I had to fight the penalty. I consulted a host of top lawyers and was told by some they would charge £2,500 just to look at it. I don't think that's right - why should footballers be the only ones who can afford to get off? I spent hours in the library and on the internet and eventually the case was dismissed. I represented myself and if I can do it so can anyone."

He said the website isn't about helping law breakers get away with it.

Mr Burton said: "A lot of cases boil down to faulty equipment and need to be challenged. And who's to say whether someone's actions were unsafe? When I was stopped it was four in the morning on a big dual carriageway and there were certainly no women pushing prams about. I don't condone speeding, I'm just making it more accessible for people who feel they have been treated unfairly and cannot afford specialist lawyers."

Mr Burton added the website, which is currently getting around 400 hits a day, has an "articles" section containing free advice if visitors do not want to pay.