A Launceston man who tampered with a speed detection device under the misguided belief that he was ‘doing the public a service’ has been slapped with a hefty fine.
Nicholas George Groom, 43, appeared in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to a charge of interfering with an offence detection device.
The court heard that Groom approached the speed camera at St Leonards Road on February 7th and physically moved it, tilting it at a 45-degree angle to the road.
Police prosecutor Hayley Bowen said this meant that the device was unable to detect other speeding vehicles, as reported by The Examiner.
The court was told that the speed camera itself captured Groom’s actions, leading to his arrest.
Groom told police that he believed he was ‘doing the public service and saving them from fines’ by obstructing the device.
The man had entered a guilty plea at his first appearance.
Magistrate Ken Stanton imposed a fine of $900, contradicting Groom’s claim that he was helping the public.
The court also heard that Groom has at least six prior drunk driving offences.
