IT Boss Convicted of Speeding on Lake Windermere

An IT boss has been convicted of exceeding the speed limit on Lake Windermere.

David Webster, 45, of Mafeking Avenue, Bury, admitted the offence when he turned up for trial at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court in Barrow-in-Furness earlier this week.

In accordance with byelaw 12.3 of the Windermere Navigation Byelaws 2008 the master of a power-driven vessel shall not allow it to be navigated at a speed in excess of 10 knots in the area in question. The maximum penalty for a breach of this byelaw on summary conviction is a fine at level 2 (£500) on the standard scale.

The court heard that officers from the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) spotted Webster being towed at speed on an e-board behind a Ski Nautique 196 on 23rd April 2019. Webster was owner of the £13,000 vessel, and therefore liable to prosecution as its master, despite it having been driven by his friend at the time.

Julie Wood, prosecuting on behalf of the LDNPA, outlined the facts: "No powered vessel should exceed ten knots (11.5mph) or the master of the vessel is liable for prosecution and a fine up to £500.

"On 23rd April, ranger Jack Holmes was on patrol when he saw a red vessel and believed it was in excess of the speed limit.

"They pulled alongside and obtained details of the boat. It was registered to Mr Webster. They tried to caution Mr Webster as the registered owner and the defendant said, 'You have the same power as the Salvation Army'."

Stuart Page, mitigating, said: "He was just over the limit. There was no one else on the lake. This is not a case of recklessness."

Magistrates fined Webster £400, ordered him to pay £1,000 costs and pay a £40 victim surcharge.

The LDNPA had initially made a costs application of £7,107, which was rejected by the bench.

Robert Maddocks, chairman of the bench, criticised Webster for his lack of remorse and "a level of arrogance and belligerence".

Speaking after the hearing, Webster said: "What made me angry was the way they came after me with blue lights flashing and the siren going.

"I told them they were acting like police officers when all they were doing was enforcing a byelaw like not playing ball games on grass.

"I do regret alluding to being brought before a 'kangaroo court'. I think that is why I ended up being prosecuted."

I don't suppose it was his comments about the court that talked him into a conviction, but his interaction with LDNPA staff in the interluding months. The ranger might have been more inclined to use his discretion if Webster had shown better manners and a degree of contrition at the time of what was a relatively minor transgression.