We understand a lot of strange urges, especially when it comes to cars. What we don't understand is the urge to do something illegal, commit it to video, and then upload that video to one of the world's most famous broadcast mediums.
A teenage mechanic in England took his dad's MR2 for a high speed run on the M65 and, recording the event for posterity on his cell phone, got to an indicated 140 mph. An off-duty police officer watched him thread traffic and use the shoulder for his run, and got his license plate number but didn't follow and arrest. A week later, the officer was told about a YouTube video, and it turned out to be the teen in question on that very drive. Campbell told the court that he didn't upload the video, but he sent it to a friend who did. The court did give him a small break, shaving 20 MPH off his offense, and charged him for driving 120 instead of 140. For his friend's efforts, Campbell gets to spend a stint in the brig while he contemplates his next feature film.
Thanks for the tip, EricDJ!
[Source: This London]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
AZ @ Sep 2nd 2007 6:39PM
Wow, talk about retarded.
Don @ Sep 3rd 2007 3:12PM
Really. I didn't think MR2's WENT 140 mph.
SPG @ Sep 2nd 2007 6:41PM
"Videotaping this crime spree is the best idea we ever had!"
That quote was on a Simpsons episode.
Even then it was hilarious because it seemed like such a dumb idea.
140 MPH through traffic?
Wow, I really hope that someone that selfish really has to pay out the rear for this.
whofan @ Sep 2nd 2007 6:55PM
In Europe wouldn`t the speed have been in kilometers instead of miles per hour?
Does look like kilometers are in the smaller digits like ours are here.
140 sounds more like kilometers.
JD @ Sep 2nd 2007 7:01PM
Naah, England are too stubborn to change to kilometers....
mooble @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:00PM
no, for some reason they use MPH often in England.
Carlos @ Sep 2nd 2007 11:47PM
But they do use kilograms and liters... go figure.
Rob @ Sep 2nd 2007 6:59PM
I'd just claim it was computer generated. If they can't guarantee the authenticity of the video, they can't prove he was going that fast, if the speedo was doctored, nor could they tell who was behind the wheel. Total BS. I'd fight it.
Barry @ Sep 2nd 2007 7:51PM
That wouldn't work because an off duty officer saw him and took the plate down in person
DHG @ Sep 2nd 2007 8:50PM
Well aren't you just a big clever boy Rob....
Rob @ Sep 3rd 2007 10:50AM
Yeah, so what if he saw the plate? Does he have any footage of who is driving? Does it PROVE that he's driving? I doubt it. Fight it dude.
bread_eye @ Sep 2nd 2007 8:14PM
not only that, but he's also driving on the wrong side of the road, lol.
8189720 @ Sep 2nd 2007 9:30PM
LOL! THAT'S funny.
Barney @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:50AM
Dear old dad will probably be waiting for his sons release. Jail term will save the son for now.
fearless @ Sep 3rd 2007 1:36AM
"Campbell told the court that he didn't upload the video, but he sent it to a friend who did."
lol some kid is probably feeling pretty guilty right about now.
robz4 @ Sep 3rd 2007 8:21PM
Yeah..With " friends " like that who needs enemies ?
Alex @ Sep 3rd 2007 3:50AM
lucky bastard got his hands on an MR2 turbo...
i have an N/A
engine swap?!
nagmashot @ Sep 3rd 2007 5:14AM
hehe I can do the same every day in the week and I don´t need to fear that I get in trouble with the police because I have upload several videos of my 125-155mph runs :p
God bless the Autobahn....
Jens @ Sep 3rd 2007 5:41AM
Yeah, what's wrong with 140mph (except that it happened in England)?
Barry @ Sep 3rd 2007 6:00AM
If the YouTube video or the officer didn't give him away, the zillion or so CCTV and speeding cameras that are to be found in the UK would have eventually anyway... there's no escaping Big Brother!