Stych v Dibble and Another: QBD 14 Jun 2012
Judges: Stadlen J Citations: [2012] EWHC 1606 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 151(2)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Personal Injury Updated: 07 December 2022; Ref: scu.461889
Judges: Stadlen J Citations: [2012] EWHC 1606 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 151(2)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Personal Injury Updated: 07 December 2022; Ref: scu.461889
Citations: [1990] 91 Crim App R 108 Statutes: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 15 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Director of Public Prosecutions, Regina (on the Application Of) v Chambers Admn 25-Jul-2003 The prosecutor appealed dismissal of charges of driving with excess alcohol. The defendant had admited driving, but said she had … Continue reading Mallard v Director of Public Prosecutions: 1990
The defendant driver had provided two specimens of breath at the police station. The device used failed to provide a printout and the constable operating it decided that it could be unreliable. He required the defendant to provide a specimen of blood, which the defendant did. The part-specimen of blood retained by the police was … Continue reading Badkin v Director of Public Prosecutions: 1988
Prosecutor’s appeal against dismissal of charge of driving wth excess alcohol. Defendant in car park of supermarket, and no intention of driving. Citations: [2007] EWHC 1841 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 05 December 2022; Ref: scu.258813
The Truro Crown Court had allowed Mr Adair’s appeal against his conviction for obstructing a highway. The prosecutor appealed. Held: It had to be decided whether a particular road had become by presumed dedication a public highway. The use relied on constituted an offence under section 34(1) of the 1988 Act. A claim of long … Continue reading Robinson v Adair: QBD 2 Mar 1995
When a driver suffers an obligatory disqualification through a drink driving offence, the court may not at the same time impose on his licence additional penalty points for offences associated with the events of the drink driving offence. The 1988 Act was a consolidating act, and was not to be construed so as to change … Continue reading Martin v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 30 Nov 1999
The defendants had been required to provide information leading to the identification of the driver. In one case the defendant was the registered keepr, and in the second not. Held: the obligations differed according to whether it was addressed to the registered keeper. In the one case to gave the information, and under the second, … Continue reading Mohindra v Director of Public Prosecutions; Browne v The Chief Constable Of Greater Manchester: Admn 15 Mar 2004
The defendant appealed against his conviction for failing to produce his driving documents, saying that the local police had stopped some 55 times in the previous 12 months, and that the request was improper and an abuse. Held: ‘An officer can only require a driver to produce his licence if the requirement is for the … Continue reading Nembhard v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 21 Jan 2009
Passengers were injured in motor vehicles. The drivers were uninsured, and the MIB had declined to make payment. The doctrine of direct effect did not apply where the allegation was that the Motor Insurers Bureau arrangement did not comply with a European Directive. It was not clear whether the Bureau was an emanation of state, … Continue reading Mighell v Reading and Another and Evans v Motor Insurers Bureau and White v White and Another: CA 30 Sep 1998
The issue was whether a presumed dedication of a road as a public highway could result from twenty years or more of uninterrupted public use in breach of section 34(1) of the 1988 Act. The court was considering whether a footpath, alleged to have become a public highway for vehicles by presumed dedication, had been … Continue reading Hereford and Worcester County Council v Pick: 1 Apr 1995
Appeals were brought complaining as to the apparent reversal of the burden of proof in road traffic cases and in cases under the Terrorism Acts. Was a legal or an evidential burden placed on a defendant? Held: Lord Bingham of Cornhill said: ‘The overriding concern is that a trial should be fair, and the presumption … Continue reading Sheldrake v Director of Public Prosecutions; Attorney General’s Reference No 4 of 2002: HL 14 Oct 2004
Judges: Lord Justice Warby Mrs Justice O’Farrell DBE Mrs Justice Cutts DBE Citations: [2022] EWCA Crim 1295 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 13 November 2022; Ref: scu.682441
Medical reasons for failure to provide specimen of blood for examination. Judges: Maurice Kay LJ, Mitting J Citations: [2006] EWHC 2007 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 12 November 2022; Ref: scu.244237
The defendant appealed his conviction for failing to provide a specimen of breath without reasonable excuse. The magistrates rejected the defendant’s statement that he had had difficulty providing the breath specimen at the roadside, that he faced similar difficulty in the station, and that he had asthma and was under treatment with anti-biotics. Held: The … Continue reading Oladimeji v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 11 May 2006
Citations: [2002] EWHC 1523 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a), Magistrates Courts (Advance Notice of Expert Evidence) Rules 1997 3 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime, Magistrates Updated: 12 November 2022; Ref: scu.175121
Where communications had been intercepted in a foreign country, and the manner of such interceptions had been lawful in that country, the evidence produced was admissible in evidence in a trial in England. An admission of such evidence was not an infringement of the rights to a fair trial, nor of the right to respect … Continue reading Regina v P and others: HL 19 Dec 2000
The applicants appealed against an enforcement notice. They had constructed a vehicular access to their cottage over the site of a footpath. They claimed it was permitted as the construction of access to the highway. Held: The construction of such a drive over a public footpath could be an offence under the Road Traffic Act. … Continue reading Shepherd and Shepherd v The Secretary of State For The Environment, Three Rivers District Council: CA 10 Oct 1997
The court was asked whether, if the insured owner of a vehicle permits another, uninsured, to drive the car, carrying the owner, and through his negligence causes and accident in which the owner is injured, the insurer is bound to meet the owner’s claim by virtue of the 1988 Act. Judges: Maurice Kay VP, Etherton, … Continue reading Churchill Insurance Company Ltd v Fitzgerald and Wilkinson and Others: CA 24 Aug 2012
Car park used as pedestrian route to shops is road by virtue of that use. Citations: Times 11-Dec-1996 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 192 (1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 04 November 2022; Ref: scu.79204
Citations: [2018] EWCA Crim 2665 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 30(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime Updated: 03 November 2022; Ref: scu.631188
The concept of a ‘Road’ under the Act includes areas of a public car park marked out for the use of vehicles. Citations: Times 03-Dec-1996, [1996] EWCA Civ 1029, [1997] 1 WLR 1082, [1998] RTR 309 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 192 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Appeal from – Clarke v … Continue reading Cutter v Eagle Star Insurance Company Limited: CA 22 Nov 1996
The defendant motorist was accused of driving with excess alcohol. There had been a difference in readings between two samples taken within a short time of each other. Held: He should have been allowed an adjournment to bring his own expert witness to explain the discrepancy. A breath test taken only a short time after … Continue reading Parish v Director of Public Prosecutions (Orse Parrish v Director of Public Prosecutions): QBD 1 Nov 1999
Appeal from term of imprisonment of 7 years and 6 months for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving, contrary to section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The appellant was also disqualified from driving for a total period of 8 years and 9 months, comprising an extension period to reflect the time … Continue reading Vowles, Rex v: CACD 16 Sep 2022
Appeal against conviction for driving with excess alcohol – officer reading out contents of the print-out when it had not been served on the defendant. Judges: Silber J Citations: [2006] EWHC 1575 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 27 October 2022; Ref: scu.242954
It was proper for a court sentencing for careless driving to allow for the fatal consequences of the driving. As long as culpability remains a sentencing consideration, the court was entitled to make such an allowance. Citations: Times 04-Feb-1999 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 25 October 2022; Ref: … Continue reading Regina v Simmonds: CACD 4 Feb 1999
A defendant who had been convicted of manslaughter by using a motor vehicle or causing death by dangerous driving, or dangerous driving, must be required to take an extended driving test before his licence is returned. Courts have no discretion not to require a test. Citations: Times 05-Nov-1998, Gazette 25-Nov-1998, [1998] EWCA Crim 3037 Links: … Continue reading Regina v Lauder: CACD 27 Oct 1998
On a prosecution for causing death by dangerous driving, contrary to section 1 of the 1988 Act, the fact that the driver was adversely affected by alcohol was a relevant circumstance in determining whether he was driving dangerously.’The fact (if it be so) that an accused has ingested a large quantity of alcoholic drink is … Continue reading Regina v Woodward (Terence): CACD 7 Dec 1994
A reason for not giving a specimen of breath remained valid even if not given at time. Citations: Gazette 10-Feb-1993 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 6(4) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 25 October 2022; Ref: scu.80024
Judges: Lord Justice Keene And Mr Justice Ouseley Citations: [2001] EWHC 1114 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 172(3) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 23 October 2022; Ref: scu.432772
The defendant passenger pulled on the handbrake at speed and caused a crash which her husband, the driver could not prevent. She was charged with manslaughter. Judges: Toulson LJ, Kenneth Parker J, Barker QC J Common Serjeant Citations: [2012] EWCA Crim 641, [2012] 1 WLR 3349, [2013] RTR 4, [2012] WLR(D) 60 Links: Bailii Statutes: … Continue reading Meeking, Regina v: CACD 29 Feb 2012
Citations: [2003] EWHC 1080 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 143(2) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic, Crime Updated: 20 October 2022; Ref: scu.185356
Citations: [2005] EWHC 1077 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 4(1) 3 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Stavrinou, Regina (on the Application Of) v Horseferry Road Justices Admn 22-Feb-2006 The claimant asked for judicial review of a decision to adjourn the case against him on a charge of driving with … Continue reading Essen v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 12 May 2005
The defendant appealed his conviction for driving with excess alcohol. He said that the machine used to measure his breath alcohol was not of the type approved by the Secretary of State. Held: There was a presumption that the Intoximeter used was type approved. The defendant had brought no evidence to suggest otherwise. The magistrates … Continue reading Fearnley v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 10 Jun 2005
The defendant had been convicted of other offences at the crown court. Traffic offences were also committed for sentence. The judge imposed a disqualification and penalty points. The section clearly required either a disqualification, or imposition of points. He had erred in doing both, and the penalty points were removed. Citations: [1997] EWCA Crim 1828 … Continue reading Regina v Powell: CACD 14 Jul 1997
The claimant a 78 year old lady had crashed. Her appeal from revocation of her drivers licence was refused and she appealed. Held: The magistrates had not taken proper account of the drivers medical evidence. The decision was perverse and to be set aside. Citations: [2015] EWHC 271 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act … Continue reading Hitchen, Regina (on The Application of) v Oxford Magistrates Court: Admn 19 Jan 2015
The claimant advanced funds to the respondent for him to invest in a bank of which the claimant had insider knowledge. In fact the defendant did not invest the funds, the knowledge was incorrect. The defendant however did not return the sums advanced, saying he need not return it because the contract was for an … Continue reading Patel v Mirza: SC 20 Jul 2016
The defendant, a Grade 1 advanced police driver, had driven very fast in pursuit of a stolen car. He crossed a junction at high speed and collided with another vehicle causing two deaths. He gave evidence that he believed that the police were controlling traffic at that junction and that it was safe for him … Continue reading Regina v Collins: CACD 7 Mar 1997
A diabetic who drove anticipating a diabetic attack was driving recklessly and his act constituted dangerous driving. Citations: Gazette 02-Aug-1996, Times 16-Jul-1996, [1997] RTR 457 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 2A Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Milton v Crown Prosecution Service Admn 16-Mar-2007 The defendant appealed his conviction for dangerous driving, saying … Continue reading Regina v Marison: CACD 16 Jul 1996
Bogus but uncompleted insurance forms were illegal – might deceive motorist. Citations: Ind Summary 15-May-1995 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 173(1)(c) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 08 October 2022; Ref: scu.86072
Citations: [1997] EWCA Civ 1947 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 151 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic, Insurance Updated: 04 October 2022; Ref: scu.142343
Two applications for judicial review, arising out of prosecutions for driving with a breath alcohol level in excess of the statutory limit, contrary to section 5(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (‘the RTA’). In both cases, following the service of a defence statement, the District Judge allowed a defence application for disclosure pursuant to … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Walsall Magistrates’ Court and Another: Admn 5 Dec 2019
Appeal against conviction for driving with excess alcohol – officer having mobile phone with him and turned on contrary to manufacturer’s instructions. Held: The appeal failed. ‘This appeal should, in my view, mark the end of arguments before Magistrates’ Courts and Crown Courts that, merely because a mobile telephone or police radio was — still … Continue reading Scheiner v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 13 Jun 2006
The claimant applied for an order quashing his convictions at the West London Magistrates’ Court for two offences: plying for hire without a licence contrary to section 7 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869; and using a motor vehicle without third party insurance contrary to section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and … Continue reading Killick v West London Magistrates’ Court: Admn 6 Dec 2012
Appeal by case stated – conviction for failing to provide specimen of breath. Machine at one station had failed on two occasions – defendant taken to second station and re-tested. Whether third test request lawful. Held: In completing the first two tests the defendant had not satisfied the statutory requirements, and ‘where no valid specimens … Continue reading Hussain v the Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 19 Mar 2008
The claimant sought judicial review of a dismissal of his appeal against conviction for failing to provide information as to the identity of a driver. The appeal court had found that he had not received the notices requiring him to provide the information, and he said that the court had refused to listen to evidence … Continue reading Purnell, Regina (on The Application of) v Snaresbrook Crown Court: Admn 30 Mar 2011
Appeal by way of case stated from conviction for an offence of failing to provide a specimen of breath without reasonable excuse, contrary to section 7(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Judges: Collins J Citations: [2011] EWHC 706 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: … Continue reading Atkinson v The Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 10 Mar 2011
The AG sought to refer to the court as unduly lenient a sentence of 100 hours community service for causing death by dangerous driving. The had been seen driving erratically along the M6, when he veered onto the hard shoulder colliding with an unlit vehicle, killing the driver. Held: Falling asleep at the wheel usually … Continue reading Attorney General’s Reference No 26 of 1999 Under Section 36 of Criminal Justice Act 1988; Regina v Gastinger: CACD 29 Jul 1999
The defendant appealed against his conviction for causing death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen of breath. Citations: [2009] EWCA Crim 1452 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 3A(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Crime, Road Traffic Updated: 26 August 2022; Ref: scu.347706
The offence of causing death by driving while unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured, is committed if the driver is unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured and if the driving is a cause of death in the sense that it was ‘more than negligible or de minimis’. It was not an element of the offence that the defendant’s driving … Continue reading Williams, Regina v: CACD 2 Nov 2010
The various insured defendants had been driven in the insured vehicles by a non-insured driver. Suffering injury at the negligence of the driver, they recovered variously damages. Their insurance companies sought recovery of the sums paid from their respective insureds under the policy terms, section 151 and under European law. Appeals and cross appeals were … Continue reading Churchill Insurance Company Ltd v Wilkinson and Others: CA 19 May 2010
Judges: Sir Anthony May P, Langstaff J Citations: [2010] EWHC 883 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 17 August 2022; Ref: scu.408623
Issues relating to disclosure obligations and the stay of proceedings as an abuse of process. Both relate to the disclosure of material concerning Intoximeters used for testing alcohol on the breath. Citations: [2005] EWHC 2986 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 11(2) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Practice, Road Traffic Updated: 16 August … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Wood: QBD 19 Jan 2006
Citations: [2018] EWCA Crim 2611 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 35A 35B Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 16 August 2022; Ref: scu.631190
The court was asked: ‘Was it unlawful for the Secretary of State for Health, the respondent, who had power to make provisions for the functioning of the National Health Service in England, to have failed to make a provision which would have enabled women who were citizens of the UK, but who were usually resident … Continue reading A and B, Regina (on The Application of) v Secretary of State for Health: SC 14 Jun 2017
Judges: Simon J Citations: [2009] EWHC 3595 (Admin), [2010] RTR 18 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 14 August 2022; Ref: scu.401943
The defendant appealed his conviction for failing to give a specimen of breath saying that he had had no more breath to give. The machine had required the mouthpiece to be retained for inspection, but the officer had disposed of it. In formulating their case, the justices stated that the defendant had failed to prove … Continue reading Gabriel Mckeon v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 19 Dec 2007
Anonymised Party to Proceedings The BBC challenged an order made by the Court of Session in judicial review proceedings, permitting the applicant review to delete his name and address and substituting letters of the alphabet, in the exercise (or, as the BBC argues, purported exercise) of a common law power. The court also gave directions … Continue reading A v British Broadcasting Corporation (Scotland): SC 8 May 2014
Appeal against acquittal of offence of driving a motor vehicle whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit. The defendant had challenged the calibration of the Camic breath testing machine which showed the incorrect date. Citations: [1997] EWHC Admin 946 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 69 Jurisdiction: England and Wales … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Garnett: Admn 30 Oct 1997
The Police Constable had failed to enquire further on the issue of ‘taking tablets’ as a medical reason for refusing to give a breath test. The prosecution failed. Citations: Times 14-Feb-1995, (1996) RTR 177 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Steadman v Director of Public Prosecutions QBD … Continue reading Wade v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 14 Feb 1995
The Court was asked in what circumstances is it permissible to sue an unnamed defendant? The respondent was injured when her car collided with another. The care was insured but by a driver giving a false name. The car owner refused to identify him. The insurers now appealed against Held: The appeal succeeded. It is … Continue reading Cameron v Liverpool Victoria Insurance Co Ltd: SC 20 Feb 2019
Judges: Toulson LJ, Forbes J Citations: [2008] EWHC 3006 (Admin), (2009) 172 JP 17 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 172 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 26 July 2022; Ref: scu.343956
A police officer was driving in the opposite direction to the accused. He came round a bend in the road to face two vehicles, one was driven by the accused overtaking the other vehicle. He was in the police officer’s path. The officer braked, skidded and mounted the nearside verge, thus avoiding a head on … Continue reading Bemner v Westwater: HCJ 1993
driving while disqualified Citations: [2003] EWHC 768 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 3(1)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 21 July 2022; Ref: scu.185586
Appeal from conviction for driving with excess alcohol. The driver complained that the police had destroyed CCTV evidence of the administration of the statutory warning on his being tested. The appeal failed. The defendant had given no indication that he might wish to challenge the warning. Citations: [2008] EWHC 2788 (Admin), (2009) 173 JP 41 … Continue reading Morris v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 14 Nov 2008
Citations: [2008] EWHC 1335 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(6) Road Traffic Updated: 17 July 2022; Ref: scu.270062
The defendant appealed a decision of the magistrates to adjourn his trial for a breathaliser offence when the Crown Prosecution Service had not warned officers to attend to give evidence. On this application, the CPS filed an acknowledgment, did not attend the hearing or seek to justify its failure to warn the police officers. No … Continue reading Walden, Regina (on the Application of) v Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court: Admn 19 Mar 2003
Citations: [2008] EWHC 643 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(6) Road Traffic Updated: 14 July 2022; Ref: scu.266888
Citations: [2008] EWHC 303 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 13 July 2022; Ref: scu.266023
The claimants had been detained under the 1971 Act, after completing sentences of imprisonment pending their return to their home countries under deportations recommended by the judges at trial, or chosen by the respondent. They challenged as unlawful the respondent’s, at first unpublished, policy introduced in 2006, that by default, those awaiting deportation should be … Continue reading Lumba (WL) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 23 Mar 2011
The applicant sought judicial review of the refusal of the magistrates to state a case for him to appeal to the High Court. He had been convicted of failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis. The magistrates considered the request frivolous within the 1980 Act. He held, as a finding of fact, that … Continue reading Regina v Inner London Justices ex parte Cukic: Admn 1 Sep 1995
The appellant had convicted of an offence under s5 on the basis of evidence provided by a laboratory test of a blood sample provided under section 8(2). In each case it was contended that the prosecution were required to prove that the intoximeter was working properly before evidence of the test of the blood specimen … Continue reading Prince v The Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 1996
When the appellant appeared at the Magistrates’ Court to answer a charge of driving whilst uninsured, a preliminary point was taken on her behalf that the prosecution had not been commenced within 6 months of the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the prosecutor to warrant proceedings had become available. In response … Continue reading Regina v Haringey Magistrates’ Court ex parte Amvrosiou: Admn 13 Jun 1996
A-G’s appeal against sentence of 15 months Custody Probation following the defendant’s conviction for causing death by careless driving having consumed excess alcohol. Judges: Nicholson LJ. Campbell LJ and Coghlin J Citations: [2006] NICA 39 Links: Bailii Statutes: Criminal Justice Act 1988, Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 14(1)(b) Northern Ireland, Criminal Sentencing Updated: 08 … Continue reading McManus, Regina v: CANI 19 Oct 2006
The defendant pleaded guilty to the rape of a twelve year old girl on the agreed basis that he had believed her to be 15, but had been advised that given her age, his belief was immaterial. He now appealed saying that the presumption infringed his human rights. Held: The question was whether the section … Continue reading Regina v G: CACD 12 Apr 2006
The claimants had each been detained without trial for more than two years, being held as suspected terrorists. They were free leave to return to their own countries, but they feared for their lives if returned. They complained that the evidence used to justify their detention was derived from practices involving torture by the US … Continue reading A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, Mahmoud Abu Rideh Jamal Ajouaou v Secretary of State for the Home Department: CA 11 Aug 2004
The claimant had been severely injured in a car crash when his younger brother was driving. The driver did not have the owner’s permission to drive, and the insurer sought to avoid laibility. Held: ‘insurers do not have to prove that the injured passenger actually believed that the vehicle had been stolen or unlawfully taken. … Continue reading McMminn v McMinn and Another: QBD 11 Apr 2006
Citations: [2005] EWHC 3234 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Road Traffic Updated: 05 July 2022; Ref: scu.239264
The defendant sought judicial review of the refusal by the magistrates to state a case. He was convicted for failing to identify the driver of a motor cycle of which he was a registered keeper which had been caught by a speed camera. Either of two riders might have been using it. Held: Having failed … Continue reading Flegg v Justices of the Peace for the New Forest Local Justice Area Sitting at Lyndhurst: Admn 21 Feb 2006
Citations: [2006] EWHC 314 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 22A(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 05 July 2022; Ref: scu.239150
Once a court imposes a disqualification on a driver, it cannot at the same time endorse the licence with additional points. Judges: Jackson LJ, Mitting, Jay JJ Citations: [2015] EWCA Crim 166, [2015] WLR(D) 58, [2016] 4 WLR 66, [2016] 1 All ER 741, [2015] Crim LR 548, [2015] 2 Cr App R (S) 7, … Continue reading Usaceva, Regina v: CACD 6 Feb 2015
Each defendant sought disclosure of materials concerning the intoximeter instruments, having been charged with driving with excess alcohol. The defendants said that the meters were inaccurate and that the manufacturers were in effect part of the prosecution, and subject to disclosure requirements accordingly. The prosecution replied that the meter manufacturer specifications were protected as confidential. … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Wood; Director of Public Prosecutions v McGillicuddy: Admn 19 Jan 2006
Citations: [2005] EWHC 1395 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 01 July 2022; Ref: scu.228891
The motorist was to be asked to take a breath test at the police station. The defendant was asked if he was on medication, and he produced a pill. The officer went ahead wit the test. At court the defendant said that he should first have sought medical advice to see whether he was fit … Continue reading Steadman v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 15 Apr 2002
The defendant appealed his conviction for failing a breath test. He said that since the meter could be affected by mouth alcohol, the prosecutor had a duty to show that the reading arose from a breath taken deep from the lung by a deep breath. Held: Though the intoximeter made a distinction between deep lung … Continue reading Zafar v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 1 Nov 2004
Appeal by way of case stated from a decision convicting the appellant, of driving a motor car when he had consumed alcohol in excess of the prescribed limit, contrary to the provisions of section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 Road Traffic Offenders’ Act 1988. The issue was whether the car … Continue reading Lewis, Regina (on the Application Of) v the Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 10 Dec 2004
A private company car park, where there was no proof of use by the public, was not a public road, and a driver could not be convicted of dangerous driving whilst in it. There must be evidence that the public actually utilised premises before a court can conclude that they are a ‘public place’. It … Continue reading Regina v Spence: CACD 24 May 1999
Defendant pleaded guity to drink driving – claim for special reasons – appeal against finding of absence of special reasons to disqualify. Judges: David J Citations: [2004] EWHC 2505 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Director of Public Prosecutions v Bristow QBD 28-Oct-1996 The prosecutor … Continue reading Khan, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 12 Oct 2004
A driver had deliberately driven at a building owned by the respondent company causing substantial damage. The driver’s insurer now appealed against a decision that it was liable to the respondent despite a clause excluding liability for deliberate acts of a driver. Held: The appeal succeeded, and nor did a claim lie against the Motor … Continue reading EUI Ltd v Bristol Alliance Ltd Partnership: CA 11 Oct 2011
Judges: Davis J Citations: [2004] EWHC 2484 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 10 June 2022; Ref: scu.219268
The two appellant drivers had been sent forms requiring them to identify the drivers of vehicles identified by speed cameras. They had replied providing the requested information, but the forms were unsigned. They resisted use of the forms as evidence against them. Held: The forms could not be used as evidence against the defendants on … Continue reading Mawdesley and Yorke v Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary and Another: Admn 31 Jul 2003
Citations: [2003] EWHC 63 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 07 June 2022; Ref: scu.184631
JUDGMENT SUMMARY (Not part of the judgment of the Court) The judgment which is being handed down today relates to an Attorney General’s Reference and three appeals against sentence. The cases have been listed together to enable the Court to decide whether to give sentencing guidelines for the offences of causing death by dangerous driving … Continue reading Cooksley, Stride, Cook, Crump v Regina; Attorney General’s Reference No 152 of 2002: CACD 3 Apr 2003
Judges: Collins J Citations: [2004] EWHC 2432 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Regina v Ferguson CACD 1970 The defendant was accused of failing to give a sample of breath for testing for alcohol. The defence was that there had been no failure because the appellant … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Swan: Admn 21 Oct 2004
Appeal from sentence for causing death by dangerous driving Citations: [2018] EWCA Crim 2359 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 1 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 05 June 2022; Ref: scu.628201
ECHR The presumption of innocence would be violated if, without the accused having previously been proved guilty according to law, a judicial decision concerning him reflected an opinion that he was guilty. The burden of proof is on the prosecution and any doubt should benefit the accused. Citations: 10590/83, (1988) 11 EHRR 360, [1988] ECHR … Continue reading Barbera, Messegua, and Jabardo v Spain: ECHR 6 Dec 1988
When requesting a drink driver suspect to give a specimen of blood, an officer’s failure to say that the specimen will be taken by a doctor was not fatal to the prosecution. The issue of whether the blood sample was to be taken had properly been described by the officer as a decision for the … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Jackson, Stanley v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 29 Jul 1998
A driver was arrested for driving with excess alcohol. At the police station, he was to be tested with the Lion Intoximeter. The officer tested the machine and it calibrated correctly. This was at about a quarter after midnight; the sergeant’s watch said 00.13 am, but the time display on the machine read 23:00. Part … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v McKeown and Jones: HL 20 Feb 1997
The defendants, a lorry driver and his employer, appealed against convictions for causing death by dangerous driving, and procuring the same. A wheel came loose from the wagon on the motorway, and collided with another vehicle, killing the driver. It was not suggested that the driver’s actual driving fell below a proper standard. Held: Causing … Continue reading Regina v Roberts and George: CACD 31 Jul 1996
The claimant sought to recover damages following a road accident. The driver’s insurance was defective. The driver claimed under section 151, but proceedings were issued without formal notice of the issue of proceedings having been given to MIB. The claim proceeded for some time before objection was made. Held: There was a clear distinction between … Continue reading Wylie on Behalf of SMP Motor Policies at Lloyds v Wake: CA 21 Dec 2000
Where a motorist told an officer at the roadside that he suffered from bronchitis, and could not provide a specimen of breath, and he wanted to rely upon the same reason at the police station, he could not claim that the officer in the station should know of his objection, but should make it clear … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Lonsdale: QBD 16 Feb 2001