Two Bradford police sergeants who reversed down a motorway have had their convictions for dangerous driving quashed.

Response Sergeant Andrew Watson, 41, and Custody Sergeant Shelton Newsham, 35, both based at Trafalgar House, claimed they had been trying to help another officer when they slowly reversed down the M62 exit slip road to the M606 at Chain Bar, near Cleckheaton.

They appealed against convictions by Dewsbury magistrates in January of dangerous driving and reversing on a motorway, in June 2008. Judge Paul Hoffman, sitting with magistrates at Leeds Crown Court yesterday, said there was a significant distance between the appellants and the vehicles they were reversing towards.

He said traffic officer Stephen Riley could not say the appellants had been reversing when vehicles had been approaching at speed.

Judge Hoffman said: “It cannot be said there was any danger of injury to persons or serious damage to property, nor can it be said that the way in which the appellants drove fell far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver. It is our view that the offence of dangerous driving is a non-starter.”

The officers claimed they were exempt from the reversing restriction because they were executing their duties.

Sgt Watson told the court he asked PC Riley what was happening and was shocked when he was told he would be reported for reversing. He said he did not get the opportunity to inform him he was a police officer. Sgt Newsham, whose car was some yards in front of that of his colleague, remained in his vehicle.

Upholding the conviction for reversing down a motorway, Judge Hoffman said it was surprising that they did not offer to help and did not identify themselves as officers.

He added: “We express the view that this utterly minor road traffic infraction should not in any sense prejudice their position or standing as high quality police officers, which they undoubtedly are.”

The court heard the sergeants were driving to work when they encountered tailbacks on the M606.

PC Riley was called to the scene because a CCTV operator had seen at least ten vehicles, which included the appellants, reversing down the slip road.

The crown court quashed £415 prosecution costs awarded against each officer after the magistrates case.

Judge Hoffman said the defendants had wrongly served part of a 12-month driving disqualification, imposed in January, because the court had the power to suspend it pending the appeal.

No separate penalty was imposed for the lesser charge of reversing.

The officers have been working normally, though West Yorkshire Police have issued misconduct notices.

After the hearing, their legal representative, Ben Tighe, said they were delighted with the outcome.