Fake Police Stops Lands Poole Resident in Legal Trouble

Conviction of a Vigilante Motorist

Martin Goodall, a 51-year-old resident of Poole, Dorset, has been found guilty of impersonating a police officer after conducting a series of fake traffic stops in the county.

Goodall, who had previously served as a special constable for a brief period in 1996, created an elaborate ruse by posing as a traffic cop and stopping drivers under false pretenses.

Elaborate Impersonation

Dressing in dark combat trousers, a top with badges, and a police-themed lanyard, Goodall fitted a blue strobe light onto his white Vauxhall van.

He used this setup to pull over motorists he believed were breaking traffic laws, engaging them in discussions about their driving behavior while citing his supposed authority as a sworn special constable.

Discovery of Deception

The elaborate scheme unraveled in February when a legitimate traffic officer stopped Goodall, aware of reports about a man resembling him impersonating a police officer.

Further investigations led to the discovery of strobe lights in Goodall’s van, confirming his fraudulent activities.

Unusual Reactions to Investigation

In a bizarre turn of events, after being asked to attend a voluntary interview, Goodall visited a police station identifying himself as an officer, seeking to interview the sergeant handling his case.

Despite being under scrutiny, he continued to stop motorists using replacement strobe lights, leading to his eventual exposure by a genuine off-duty special constable.

Legal Proceedings and Future Sentencing

Goodall faced 13 charges of impersonating a police officer and employing a vehicle fitted with a blue warning beacon. He staunchly believed that his oath sworn in 1996 was still valid, despite legal testimony stating otherwise.

Found guilty by District Judge Orla Austin, sentencing has been adjourned for later this month pending further reports.

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