One of the country’s best-known lawyers has offered to defend South Yorkshire police chief Meredydd Hughes – who is facing prosecution for allegedly speeding on the A5 in north Wales – for free!

Nick Freeman, whose clients include David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson and Ronnie O’Sullivan, believes if Mr Hughes accepts his offer the policeman can gain a better understanding of the legal implications and technicalities surrounding speed camera prosecutions.

Last year, Mr Hughes said officers were becoming increasingly frustrated with lawyers who used legal small print to help win acquittals for clients, adding it was the police’s responsibility to prosecute offences correctly.

Today, Mr Freeman - dubbed Mr Loophole by the media for his success in defending well-known celebrities charged with motoring offences - said: “This is a very serious offer I’m making to Mr Hughes.

“I believe that by working together in this way he will appreciate some of the difficulties and shortcomings that his police officers encounter when dealing with offending motorists.

“This in turn will enable his force – and others - to tighten up their procedures and the net result will be safer roads.”