Flintoff cleared of speeding offence

	Andrew Flintoff arrives at court accompanied by his solicitor © PA Photos

Andrew Flintoff, the England and Lancashire allrounder, has been cleared of a speeding offence because his prosecution notice was two days late.

Flintoff was allegedly caught driving at 87mph in a 50mph zone on the M62 near Liverpool on July 1, 2007. But his lawyer, Nick Freeman - known as Mr Loophole for his successful defence of a number of leading sportsmen - said the prosecution had not followed the proper rules. At Liverpool Magistrates' Court today, Flintoff was told the Crown would offer no evidence.

"It is fundamental in any speeding case that the notice is sent and received within 14 days," Freeman told reporters outside the court. "It happens a lot if people care to look at it."