A cyclist judge has rapped a DVLA official for refusing to attend a court case... unless he was given a hire car!

Ian Davies - one of the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency's investigators - had been called as an important prosecution witness in a fake licence case at Canterbury Crown Court.

But despite having been booked into an hotel, the Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Donna East told the judge:

"He has indicated he will not come unless a hire car is provided for him from Swansea."

Judge Nigel van der Bijl - who has often cycled to court - retorted: "Well my opinion of motor cars is well known - and anyone who says they can't come by train is blowing contrary to everyone else who thinks we should get rid of cars!"

Mrs East explained that the normal procedure is for the CPS to pay expenses based on the cost of public transport.

She said she was surprised by the official's refusal to let the train take the strain!

Mrs East added: "This is the first time I have ever heard of this happening. We have a witness from Newcastle Upon Tyne who has quite happily travelled here by train."

The Judge issued a witness summons - but the CPS eventually agreed to fund the car hire and Mr Davies, from the DVLA's Police liaison group, gave his evidence.

That led to the successful prosecution of a security officer for using a fake driver's licence.

A DVLA spokesperson said: "DVLA is committed in ensuring that when travelling on official business staff pursue the most cost effective means of travel.

"Given the timescales, distance and impact on the Agency's business on this occasion all other forms of travel including public transport would have incurred significantly greater cost."

The judge - who lists his hobby in Debretts as "cycling" - has taken part in the amateur stage of the Tour De France and has lectured on the race.

The train journey from Swansea to Canterbury West is just over five hours. And the cheapest weekday single fare is £40.