Hi - wonder if i can get some advice on the following.

I am being prosecuted for contravening a red light. The offence was 5.5 seconds into the red light at 20mph

I expected a FPN but instead have been told that the offence is too great for a FPN to be issued and that court proceedings will take place - I will be advised in due course.

Now while I intend to plead guilty by post, I want to know what I should put in mitigation.

The Facts

I was at a crossroads waiting to turn left. My lights turned green and I turned left.

As I turned left at the junction I went passed a single traffic light in the central reservation. This was obvioulsy the exit traffic light for the traffic coming the other way and was naturally red.

Around 15m further there was a further pair of traffic lights that were also red. My instant reaction was that these were also part of the exit cameras and I went through them. as I did the camera flashed.

I now realise that these second set of cameras, 15 metres after turning left, were an automated pedestrian crossing. (automated because on the other side of the carriageway they acted as the STOP sign for the crossroads)

So although these lights had been red for 5.5 seconds, I had actually only seen them after turning left, so only for a fraction of this time, and in addition was temporarily confused by the number of lights on, having just gone through green and facing red.

I am led to believe that I am not getting a FPN because of the length of time these lights were Red.

Having gone back to the junction I now realise one further thing. there was a no left turn signal where I turned left.

Why did i not see this? Well it was 10pm at night, I was in a strange city and I was following my damned Sat Nav directions - which told me to turn left!

I am a little worried about what might happen in Court. I really do not want to attend so if possible will plead guilty by post. (is this likely or will they force me to attend?)

Should I use any of the the above in mitigation as to why the length of time (5.5 seconds) was so great?

Or will I by doing so create a risk of making it worse with the potential for the offence being changed to one of driving without due care and attention?

I have been driving 25 years and have a currently clean license. My only previous offence was 35 in a 30 (dual carriageway) 10 years ago.

Thanks for any advice offered