A MOTORIST has lost his appeal against obstructing a police officer after he was stopped by police for fitting his car with a laser jamming device.

Kris Hemsley was driving his Audi A5 on February 12 when he was targeted by officers carrying out speed checks on the A47 at North Burlingham.

The 33-year-old, of Norwich Road, Acle, was originally convicted of the offence on July 15 and lost his appeal at Norwich Crown Court on Friday September 9.

The car was fitted with a high-tech laser jamming device which alerts drivers to laser speed detectors and temporarily prevents it from taking a reading, allowing the driver time to slow down.

The device can be purchased and fitted to a vehicle for around �355 and while it is not illegal to own or install such a device it is an offence to block police speed guns.

Police have now issued a warning to other drivers who use laser jammers to remove them or face getting a criminal record.

Hemsley was ordered to pay costs of �520 in addition to his original sentence.

Sgt Geoff Bowers, from Acle Road Policing, said: “Drivers using these devices clearly have the intention of speeding which puts themselves and other road users in danger.

“I hope this case acts as a warning to others considering using laser jamming devices and we will continue to take firm action against offenders.”