Prominent lawyer fails to defend speeding charge

Keith Jeffries was caught travelling 68km/h along Poplar Avenue in Raumati South, which is a 50km/h area. File photo / NZ Herald

A prominent Wellington lawyer failed to defend a speeding charge at Porirua District Court today.

Criminal lawyer Keith Jefferies, was found guilty of exceeding the 50km/h posted speed limit in Raumati South in May this year.

Jefferies was caught travelling 68km/h along Poplar Avenue in Raumati South, which is a 50km/h area, Constable Shaun Taiaki said at a judge only trial today.

Mr Taiaki said on the day Mr Jefferies was stopped by police, a road sign indicated the speed limit in the area was 50km/h.

Mr Taiaki said a 80km/h road sign, which was the speed that once applied along the road, was covered on the day Jefferies was caught speeding.

Jefferies, who was not present at court today, was represented by defence lawyer John Tannahill.

Mr Tannahill did not dispute that Mr Jefferies was speeding, but said the case revolved around whether there was correct signage on the street.

Mr Tannahill said Jefferies was confused as a speed limit of 80km/h had once applied along the street.

Justice of the Peace Martyn Turner said the evidence supporting the prosecution case was "absolutely clear and convincing".

"There was no exposed 80km/h sign on the day of the offence," Mr Turner said.

Jefferies was ordered to pay a $120 fine and $30 court costs.