DEF LEPPARD Drummer's Wife Escapes Driving Ban

June 22, 2005

Sheffield Today has issued the following report:

The wife of DEF LEPPARD drummer Rick Savage has escaped a drink drive conviction after her lawyer spotted a "fatal flaw" in the prosecution's case.

Celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman, dubbed "Mr Loophole" spotted that police failed to follow proper procedures after stopping Paige Savage in her luxury car in the city.

Paige, who lives with Rick in Ecclesall, Sheffield, was charged with driving over the prescribed limit on October 28 last year.

The 35-year-old had given a breath test reading of 43, which is over the drink-drive limit of 35, and had the option of giving a further blood or urine sample to which she agreed.

But the arresting police officer failed to follow the correct procedure and Mrs Savage was effectively ordered to give a blood sample rather than given the choice between a blood or urine test.

She complied and analysis showed she was slightly over the drink-drive limit.

Mr Freeman told the court: "There has been a failure to comply with a statutory requirement."

Paige had denied the charge and was due to face a short trial but after Mr Freeman pointed out the error the Crown reconsidered their case and offered no evidence.

The case was dismissed by magistrates and Mr Freeman was awarded his costs.

Prosecutor Mark Frost told the court the defendant had been arrested in her luxury car on suspicion of drink-driving and taken to Ecclesfield police station, Sheffield for a breath test.

He described the police error as "fatal" to the prosecution's case and said he had advised the Crown Prosecution Service their case was flawed.

After the hearing at Sheffield Magistrates Court, Paige gave the millionaire solicitor a hug and joked: "If I wasn't already married, I would marry him."

The lawyer said afterwards: "She was correctly given the option of providing a blood or urine sample but then told she had to provide blood which deprived her of the choice.

"There is a statutory procedure which has to be read out to motorists and if it is not followed strictly it is fatal to the Crown's case."

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