‘Mr Loophole’ urging road safety drive

A lawyer dubbed “Mr Loophole” for helping the rich and famous avoid driving bans is now offering to help the Government remove legal kinks behind his success.

Nick Freeman, who has successfully defended the likes of David Beckham, Jeremy Clarkson and Sir Alex Ferguson, admitted some defences he used appeared to be unfair to the public.

Mr Freeman, who lives in Mere, Cheshire, said he is prepared to offer authorities his expertise in a U-turn which could stop his clients from getting off the hook in future.

“I wouldn’t say I know the law better than the Government, but I would be very happy to offer whatever help I can to try to make our roads safer,” he said.

“There have been massive moves to tighten these areas, but nevertheless, many still exist.”
Mr Freeman, whose Freeman & Co Solicitors firm is based in Manchester, says the law should be altered to prevent those accused of drink driving from needing a lawyer present when giving a sample — a tactic used in the past in an attempt to avoid giving a sample over the legal limit.

He has also emerged as an unlikely supporter of calls to lower the drink-drive limit.

The Government has been cautious about backing a reduction in the limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to the European standard of 50mg.

But Mr Freeman (53) added: “It’s utter hypocrisy to allow that level to continue.”

Mr Freeman’s tactics have previously come under fire from road safety experts.

In 1999, he argued that England football star David Beckham was driving too fast because he was frightened by the paparazzi pursuing him.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was let off driving down the hard shoulder because Mr Freeman claimed he had an upset stomach and needed the toilet.

He managed to have a case against the cricketer Andrew Flintoff, who was charged with driving at 87mph in a 50mph zone, thrown out after 41 seconds by showing the notice for prosecution had been sent late.

Earlier this year he trademarked his “Mr Loophole” nickname to prevent other lawyers using the moniker.

Mr Freeman — who reportedly commands £10,000-a-day fees — has also represented “EastEnders” actor Steve McFadden golfer Colin Montgomerie and snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan.