u/Consistent-Theory175

Ok i want to preface this with, I know better NOW how i should have handled the interaction with the officer which would have squashed this in the first place, but alas, i was inexperienced at the time and here we are.

Circumstances:

• Officer has fined me with a speed based on what HE was doing as he claims to be "trying to catch up to me"...
• I did not deny speeding but did not say what my speed was. I was also scared and intimidated by the interaction as its the first time
• the speed I have been fined with is >40 over limit and I cannot accept a loss of licence as my personal circumstances are much too complicated. I dont know if i would qualify for a hardship licence as I work from home
• my friend had taken off from the lights very quickly and then i lost them amongst a few lanes of cars, i did speed up slightly to try and find them. when i couldnt find them in those first 2kms, i slowed down, thinking perhaps they could have been in an accident. I was constantly looking around for this behind and in front (it was night time)
• I only knew the officer was behind me after i had been at a complete stop at a set of red lights for ~20seconds and he then turned lights and sirens on. I pulled over asap to a safe spot.
• the location this has occurred in is a hot spot for speeding and i have reason to believe the magistrate will not look favourably on my case
• without disclosing too much, i also have reason to believe that the prosecution wont want to negotiate or offer a lesser fine as they have reason to save face.

What would you do? how would you approach this?