Helpful driver fined

Press, 12 May 1980, Page 13

Helpful driver fined

NZPA ‘ London A truck driver whose citizens* band radio calls masterminded the arrest of a gang of car thieves has been fined for using c.b. ’

The $BOO fine came a day before the Home Secretary (Mr William Whitelaw) . announced that the British Government favoured legalising the medium. f-

The driver,. Les Ashmore, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire. told a Magistrates’ Court that last September he spotted a friend’s van which he knew had been stolen. During a'high-speed pursuit, Mr Ashmore said he alerted about 30 other enthusiasts and used his radio rig to broadcast to the gang in the van. After his friends had put up road blocks, the van was cornered and the five youths were tackled and held by club members. The police later charged all five youths and thanked Mr Ashmore for his efforts. But when he went to a police station to make a statement, on official of the Post Office was waiting to charge him with offences under the British Wireless and Telegraphy Act. According to the Home Office, which administers the Post Office, the act does not allow for licences to be issued for c.b. radio users.