Policeman 'changed diary to avoid speeding conviction'
A senior police officer "doctored" his diary to create an excuse to evade a speeding conviction, a court has heard.
Ch Supt Adrian Harper, of Surrey Police, added three entries to his computerised work diary to "beef up" his reason for an exemption.
A jury was told the 45-year-old officer had "temptation put before him" and chose to "put self before duty".
Ch Supt Harper, of Downs Road, Epsom, denies a charge of misconduct in public office at Winchester Crown Court.
The jury was told he was caught by a speed camera travelling at 53mph in a 40mph zone on the A217 in Lower Kingswood on 15 September 2008.
'Piece of misinformation'
The day after he received the notice of intended prosecution, he is accused of "doctoring" his diary.
Prosecutor Charlie Gabb said Ch Supt Harper wanted to "beef up" his reason for an exemption which had to be signed off by his line manager, Assistant Chief Constable Ian Dyson.
"By virtue of that exemption form, which we say was a deliberate piece of misinformation, he got away with it," Mr Gabb said.
"He had temptation put before him and he put self before duty and there can't be one law for one and another for everyone else."
Mr Gabb said that Ch Supt Harper told police in interview that he had made a honest mistake when preparing the exemption form.
The trial continues.