The actor had denied speeding in south Warwickshire

Dean Gaffney, who played Robbie Jackson, was alleged to have committed the offence on the M40 in Warwickshire.

After the hearing at Mid Warwickshire Magistrates' Court, his solicitor Nick Freeman said the actor had always denied breaking the speed limit.

Mr Gaffney, 28, of Cobham, Surrey, was stopped in his Audi in June 2005, close to Warwick Services.

Mr Freeman revealed that Mr Gaffney had also been awarded his costs by magistrates.

'Lessons learnt'

The actor was allegedly caught travelling at 131mph over a distance of 270m (300yds) near Warwick Services.

Mr Freeman said two officers were involved in the laser-based speed trap, but that one of them had not attended Tuesday's hearing in Leamington Spa.

He said: "One officer attended and the other one was on a training course despite being warned of the trial date.

"He had been warned (to attend court) in March and the prosecution asked for an adjournment.

"I opposed that... the court said the case would go ahead and the prosecution then offered no evidence."

A spokesman for the Central Motorway Police Group said the body was investigating the matter and would be liaising with prosecutors to see what lessons could be learnt.

Mr Gaffney was unavailable for comment.