Mercedes Driver Attempts To Avoid Assassination Squad

Posted by www.eMercedesBenz.com on March 17, 2006 
Genius, pure genius.

That's what I thought when I read this story.

First of all, let me preface this article by saying I am one that  
prefers to drive slightly above the posted speed limit. Unfortunately  
in doing so, my driving adventures are oftentimes hampered by men  
with flashing lights and guns.  Usually, after these men speak to me,  
I'm left with an ominous note chastising me for driving briskly and  
forcing me to pay a fine in upwards of $200.

I'm sure many of you have met these same men, these "fun-killers" as  
I like to call them.  And lately, it seems like they're everywhere -  
they hide in ditches, they monitor us on camera... they even fly  
around in helicopters. So what are all of us spirited drivers  
supposed to do?

For one Englishman, the answer is simple - we lie. You see, Garet  
Cook shares our same vigor for driving, and occasionally likes to  
push his Mercedes-Benz SLK past the measly posted speed of 60 mph.   
On this particular occasion, Cook decided to travel at a far more  
suitable 81 mph, but as you can expect, the fun-killers were  
waiting.  Cook was given the dreaded "note," a note with one simple  
message: pay us the tidy sum of $526, or else.

Although many of us would have taken the easy way out by wrapping our  
license in a few Benjamins, Cook thought differently, and devised  
arguably the best defense I've ever heard.  At trial, Cook told the  
judge that... get ready for this... he was avoiding an "assassination  
squad."

Brilliant.

According to Cook:  "I came over the hill with the sun in my eyes and  
saw a dark car with two men in it aiming a gun at me and I reacted  
instinctively.  I was in special forces and trained in anti-kidnap  
and hostage release. I have done the lot as far as driving is  
concerned. As soon as someone points a gun at you...you put your foot  
down."

Damn straight you put your foot down.  I don't know about you, but I  
sure as hell don't want to be the victim of a roadside sniper squad.

You'd think that with the creativity and poise Cook showed, the judge  
would take leniency and even reward him for his previous military  
service to the country.  Nope.

Not only did Cook have to pay the $526 fine, the judge chalked on  
another $175, bringing the grand total to about $700 - and that's  
only for 21 mph over the limit.

Although it didn't end well for Gareth Cook, we still have to give  
him props and commend him for trying.  Better luck next time my friend.

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