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
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
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 his conviction for driving with excess alcohol. He had driven his car within a camping site at Hayling Island. He might have been charged with driving on a road or other public place, but was charged with driving on a road. It was too late on appeal to widen the wording. The … Continue reading Dunmill, Regina (On the Application of) v Director Of Public Prosecutions: Admn 5 Jul 2004
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
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
After routine procedures were followed at the police station, the police took a specimen of breath over two hours after those used for analysis to see if the defendant was then fit to leave. It showed a reading consistent with the analysis of the earlier sample. Several weeks after the arrest the machine had been … Continue reading O’Sullivan v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 25 Feb 2005
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 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
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
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
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
Appeal against dismissal of charge of driving with excess alcohol. Judges: Dyson LJ, Jack J Citations: [2007] EWHC 3274 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 09 August 2022; Ref: scu.271190
Evidence from 3rd Party Torture Inadmissible The applicants had been detained following the issue of certificates issued by the respondent that they posed a terrorist threat. They challenged the decisions of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission saying that evidence underlying the decisions had probably been obtained by torture committed by foreign powers, and should not … Continue reading A and others v Secretary of State for the Home Department (No 2): HL 8 Dec 2005
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
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
Citations: [2008] EWHC 1335 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(6) Road Traffic Updated: 17 July 2022; Ref: scu.270062
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
Citations: [2005] EWHC 3234 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Road Traffic Updated: 05 July 2022; Ref: scu.239264
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
The defendant appealed conviction involving allegations that he was driving. He was sat at the wheel of a vehicle being towed by means of a rigid steel bar. He denied that he was driving, but had both steered and braked. Held: The magistrates had been entitled to find that he had been driving, having had … Continue reading Traves, Regina (on the Application Of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 30 Jun 2005
The magistrates stated a case where the police officer requiring a breath speciment, had not allowed a wait of 20 minutes where the defendant had recently eaten a ‘tic-tac’, contrary to the procedure. Judges: Kennedy LJ, Crane J Citations: [2005] EWHC 1533 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(6), Road Traffic Offenders Act … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Coulter: Admn 29 Jun 2005
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 defendant appealed his conviction for driving with excess alcohol. He complained that the device used to measure his breath at the police station, the EC/IR intoximeter, was not an approved device. The court had refused to accept evidence to support such an assertion. Held: The magistrates had found that the appellant had been lawfully … Continue reading Wright v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 25 May 2005
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 had been found sat in his car. He had been spinning its wheels, but not moving. The prosecutor appealed against dismissal of a charge of attempting to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol. Held: The appeal succeeded. The defendant was driving. Although the car had not moved, his behaviour required him to … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Alderton: Admn 25 Nov 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
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
The defendant appealed by way of case stated from a conviction for failing to identify the driver of a vehicle as required. The defendant argued that he had not been shown to be the registered keeper. Held: It was difficult to establish from the stated case just what evidence had been presented. The case was … Continue reading Horner v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 11 Nov 2005
The defendant was asked to give a sample of blood. He declined, saying that the sight of blood drove him into a trance in which state he was liable to be violent. The Director appealed the finding that this was a proper excuse as a health concern. Held: The district judge had failed to distinguish … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Mukandiwa: QBD 21 Oct 2005
Citations: [2020] EWHC 3403 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 (Retention and Disposal of Seized Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2005 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Police, Road Traffic Updated: 22 May 2022; Ref: scu.656796
The prosecutor appealed a decision of the magistrates not to convict a lorry driver. He had stopped after feeling vibration. At the service station he had taken off and replaced the wheel nuts by hand, and was awaiting service. The vehicle inspector then found him and reported him. Held: The magistrates could not have decided … Continue reading Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, Regina (on the Application of) v Henderson: Admn 15 Dec 2004
Citations: [2005] EWHC 2513 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 19 May 2022; Ref: scu.235183
There was no need for a police officer to warn the defendant of the three minute cycle for the Intoximeter after a test. A failure to warn a motorist of the machine time limit was not good reason for a driver to refuse to give a specimen. Citations: Ind Summary 17-Jul-1995, Times 20-Jul-1995 Statutes: Road … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Coyle: QBD 17 Jul 1995
Blood sample not inadmissible because Defendant unable to comprehend choices for drink. Citations: Times 07-Nov-1995 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 8 Road Traffic Updated: 19 May 2022; Ref: scu.79986
The choice given to a person detained on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol, of giving either a blood or a urine sample was given satisfactorily, if it was done properly and fairly. Curtis J: ‘I would observe that the words of Lord Bridge in Director of Public Prosecutions v. Warren [1993] R.T.R. 58 are … Continue reading Baldwin v West Yorkshire Police, orse Baldwin v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 3 Jul 1995
Citations: [2019] EWCA Crim 258 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 18 May 2022; Ref: scu.634204
Driver refusing then agreeing in 5 seconds to breath test didn’t refuse. Citations: Times 21-Jun-1995 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 15 May 2022; Ref: scu.89355
The appellant a police officer had arrived at work having been drinking. A senior officer asked if he had driven to work. He replied yes, and on that basis had been convicted of driving with excess alcohol. He appealed saying that the question should have been put to him under caution. The magistrates said: ‘we … Continue reading Ridehalgh, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 23 May 2005
The evidence which is admissible on a challenge to the reliability of an intoximeter device is not limited to direct evidence of the unreliability of the breath testing device, but can be based on evidence such as the level of consumption, and the activities of the defendant before arrest and on his or her condition … Continue reading Cracknell v Willis: HL 1988
‘obvious to a careful and competent driver’ refers to a dangerous state which would be ‘seen or realised at first glance’ Citations: [1995] Crim LR 428 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 2A Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Regina v Roberts and George CACD 31-Jul-1996 The defendants, a lorry driver and his employer, … Continue reading Regina v Strong: 1995
Whether or not the condition of a vehicle is such that it is a danger to any person is a question of fact. Judges: Otton LJ and Astill LJ Citations: Unreported, 4 December 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, Regina (on the Application of) v Henderson Admn … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Potts: QBD 4 Dec 1988
Further consideration of the circumstances in which the use of a hand-held mobile telephone when driving contravened s.41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Regulation 110 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. The appellant appeals by way of case stated from a decision of the Bexley Magistrates’ Court on 14 June … Continue reading Bendt v Crown Prosecution Service: Admn 25 Jan 2022
An insurer’s failure to obtain a release certificate left him liable for damages Citations: Times 28-Sep-1995 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 151 Insurance Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.83494
A mistaken belief in the mind of the Police Constable that the Intoximeter was inaccurate, does not prevent the admission of the reading. Citations: Ind Summary 11-Dec-1995, Times 14-Nov-1995 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(3) Road Traffic Updated: 08 April 2022; Ref: scu.81135
A properly taken urine sample was admissible despite an earlier request for a blood sample. Citations: Times 03-Feb-1995 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 08 April 2022; Ref: scu.80004
Appeal by way of case stated from a pre-trial ruling of the Black Country Magistrates’ Court in respect of an information preferred against the Appellant for failing to provide a specimen of blood in breach of section 7 of the 1988 Act, and not to exercise its discretion under section 78 of the 1984 Act … Continue reading Miller v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 15 Feb 2018
The driver was unconscious following an accident. The police attended the accident. He was acquitted of later failing to report the accident to the police. The prosecutor appealed. The car had crashed as the police pursued it. No notice had been served on him to produce his documents, and he had argued also that he … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Hay: QBD 13 Jun 2005
The court was asked whether, at least in the particular circumstances of the case, self-induced intoxication could properly amount to a ‘reasonable excuse’ for failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis, for the purposes of an alleged offence under section 7(6) of the 1988 Act. Held: In these particular xircumstances, no. Judges: Lindblom … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Camp: Admn 15 Dec 2017
The defendant challenged the obligatory requirement that evidence given by a person under 17 in sex or violent offence cases must normally be given by video link. Held: The purpose of the section was to improve the quality of the evidence presented to a court. There was no absolute right for a defendant to be … Continue reading D (A Minor), Regina (on the Application of) v Camberwell Green Youth Court: HL 27 Jan 2005
Appeal by way of case stated from a convicting the Appellant of three road traffic offences, including failure to provide a specimen of breath for analysis contrary to section 7(6) of the 1988 Act. The ground of appeal is that the justices wrongly acceded to the prosecution application to allow a police officer to refresh … Continue reading Cummings v Crown Prosecution Service: Admn 15 Dec 2016
RoadPeace challenged certain legislation, as to compulsory insurance for motor vehicles, and for payment of compensation for personal injury and damages caused by uninsured driver, saying that it failed properly to implement European law. Held: Ouseley J recorded and accepted the view of the Secretary of State for Transport and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau that … Continue reading RoadPeace v Secretary of State for Transport: Admn 7 Nov 2017
Save exceptionally, a car park is not a road for the purposes of road traffic legislation on obligatory insurance. It is an unjustified strain on the language. A distinction made between the road ways and the parking bays was artificial and unhelpful. Whether any particular area was a road is a question of fact in … Continue reading Clarke v Kato and Others; Cutter v Eagle Star Insurance Co Ltd: HL 25 Nov 1998
PI Damages not Reduced for Own Pension The plaintiff policeman was disabled by the negligence of the defendant and received a disablement pension. Part had been contributed by himself and part by his employer. Held: The plaintiff’s appeal succeeded. Damages for personal injury were not to be reduced by deducting the full net value of … Continue reading Parry v Cleaver: HL 5 Feb 1969
The defendant lorry driver was interviewed to discover his involvement in a road traffic accident in whch damage was caused to a stationery vehicle. He said that he had been unaware of any such collision, though he had been driving at that location at the time. Having given no evidence, he now appealed against his … Continue reading Selby v Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset: QBD 1988
A police officer’s requirement for a blood specimen at hospital whilst made at the hospital, remains in force despite the defendant leaving the hospital. Ind Summary 01-Jan-1996, Times 20-Dec-1995 Road Traffic Act 1988 9(1)(a) England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 20 January 2022; Ref: scu.90357
A car was seen speeding. Husband and wife each said that they did not know who was driving it in response to notices requiring that information. Mrs M now appealed against her conviction under section 172. Beatson LJ, Kenneth Parker J [2015] EWHC 2333 (Admin), (2016) 180 JP 33 Bailii Road Traffic Act 1988 172(2)(b) … Continue reading Marshall v Crown Prosecution Service: Admn 17 Jun 2015
The defendant resisted extradition to Brussels saying that the offence had been committed in part in England. He had absconded and been convicted. Application was made for his return to serve his sentence. The offences associated with organisation of illegal immigration, fell within the European framework list, but section 65(2)(a) was not satisfied. Held: ‘the … Continue reading Office of the King’s Prosecutor, Brussels v Cando Armas and others: HL 17 Nov 2005
[1997] EWHC Admin 1042 Road Traffic Act 1988 143(2) England and Wales Citing: Appealed to – Director of Public Prosecutions v Kavaz CACD 17-Mar-1999 The duty to demonstrate that a car is properly insured and has an MOT certificate remains the responsibility of the actual driver. . . Cited – Rex v Oliver 1944 When … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Kavaz: Admn 25 Nov 1997
[1997] EWHC Admin 980 Road Traffic Act 1988 133 England and Wales Citing: Cited – Stilk v Myrick KBD 16-Dec-1809 No Obligation Incurred without ConsiderationThe plaintiff agreed to sail with the defendant on a voyage being paid pounds 5.00 a month. Two crew deserted and the captain asked the remainder to do their work sharing … Continue reading Mahmood v Vehicle Inspectorate: Admn 5 Nov 1997
Appeal by way of case stated from a decision dismissing a summons alleging a contravention of s. 143 Road Traffic Act 1988, namely use of a motor vehicle on a road without a policy of insurance. The defendant appeared to be using a van for commercial purposes, but had only private and domestic insurance. Beatson … Continue reading The Director of Public Prosecutions v Whittaker: Admn 3 Jul 2015
‘Consuming alcohol’ includes consumption by injection, inhalation, patch etc. Times 15-Mar-1994 Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1) England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 16 December 2021; Ref: scu.80016
Whether the car park where the driving took place was a ‘public place’ within the meaning of section 3. Held: The appeal failed.Laws LJ set out the following propositions as accurately summarising the relevant legal principles: a. The burden of proving that a particular location is a ‘public place’ rests on the Crown to prove … Continue reading May v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 15 Apr 2005
Richards, Toulson, Sullivan LJJ [2010] EWCA Civ 808, [2011] RTR 1 Bailii Transport Act 1985, Road Traffic Act 1988 123 England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 23 November 2021; Ref: scu.420768
The system under which the registered keeper of a vehicle was obliged to identify herself as the driver, and such admission was to be used subsequently as evidence against her on a charge of driving with excess alcohol, was not a breach of her right to a fair trial. The right not to give evidence … Continue reading Stott (Procurator Fiscal, Dunfermline) and Another v Brown: PC 5 Dec 2000
Defence of Necessity has a Place in Criminal Law The defendant appealed against his conviction for driving whilst disqualified. He said he had felt obliged to drive his stepson to work because his stepson had overslept. His wife (who had suicidal tendencies) had been threatening suicide unless he drove the boy to work, since she … Continue reading Regina v Martin (Colin): CACD 29 Nov 1988
Conditions for new evidence on appeal At the trial, the wife of the appellant’s opponent said she had forgotten certain events. After the trial she began divorce proceedings, and informed the appellant that she now remembered. He sought either to appeal admitting fresh evidence, or for a retrial. Held: The Court of Appeal refused to … Continue reading Ladd v Marshall: CA 29 Nov 1954
The defendant appealed against his conviction for possessing a loaded shotgun. He had wished to advance a defence to the effect that on the previous evening he had taken it ‘off a geezer who was going to do some damage with it’ in order to stop him. Held: The duress of circumstances defence can apply … Continue reading Regina v Pommell: CACD 16 May 1995
Restraint on Interference with Burden of Proof The defendant had been convicted for possessing drugs found on him in a bag when he was arrested. He denied knowing of them. He was convicted having failed to prove, on a balance of probabilities, that he had not known of the drugs. The case was heard before … Continue reading Regina v Lambert: HL 5 Jul 2001
The court asked what reduction if any should be made to a plaintiff’s damages where injuries were caused not only by the defendant’s negligent driving but also by the failure of the plaintiff to wear a seat belt. It had been submitted that, since the defendant was not responsible for the failure of the plaintiff … Continue reading Froom v Butcher: CA 21 Jul 1975
Police Entrapment is no defence to Criminal Act The defendant complained of his conviction for supplying controlled drugs, saying that the undercover police officer had requested him to make the supply. Held: It was an abuse of process for the police to go so far as to incite a crime. Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead said: … Continue reading Regina v Looseley (orse Loosely); Attorney General’s Reference No 3 of 2000: HL 25 Oct 2001
The pursuer sought damages after her husband’s death from lung cancer. She said that the defenders were negligent in having continued to sell him cigarettes knowing that they would cause this. Held: The action failed. The plaintiff had not proved that the smoking of cigarettes was the cause of the lung cancer, and it was … Continue reading McTear v Imperial Tobacco Ltd: OHCS 31 May 2005
The defendant appealed against his conviction for attempting to drive after consuming excess alcohol. On reporting to the police that as he opened the door of his car, he had been threatened with a knife, and his car taken, it was suspected he had consumed alcohol, and he was arrested. Held: The conviction was quashed. … Continue reading Mason v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 15 Jul 2009
The defendant appealed against his conviction for speeding, saying that the device used to measure his speed was not approved. The only evidence relied on was that the officer said it had been installed in many police vehicles. Held: The magistrates had not been entitled to take judicial notice of such an opinion. Though a … Continue reading Iaciofano v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 15 Jul 2010
After the defendant was arrested for drugs offences a restraint order was made to prevent dissipation of his assets. Orders were made to vary the restraint to allow payment of his sons school fees, and in family proceedings for a payment to his wife. The Commissioners of Customs and Excise appealed the latter order. Held: … Continue reading In re Peters: CA 1988
A Zairese national living in Paris, went to the airport to collect, as he said, a parcel of foodstuffs sent from Africa. He could not find this, but was shown a locked trunk, which he was advised to leave alone. He however took possession of it, . .
The appellant was the son of the licensee of an inn. On returning to the inn one night at about 11.17, he found that police officers wished to enter the premises as they suspected that the licensee was committing an offence under the Licensing Act . .
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References: (1995) 71 P & CR 231 Coram: Stuart-Smith LJ 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 … Continue reading Hereford and Worcester County Council v Pick; 1 Apr 1995
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Where a motorist challenges the accuracy of the intoximeter, there is only an evidential burden on him. Citations: Unreported, 27 March 2000 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: See Also – O’Sullivan v Director of Public Prosecutions Admn 4-Nov-1998 The court considered and gave directions for the form of statement … Continue reading O’Sullivan v Director of Public Prosecutions: 27 Mar 2000
Prsoecutor’s appeal against dismissal of charge of driving with excess alcohol. The dfeendant was arrested only some time after he had been driving and after he had consumed further alcohol. Citations: [2007] EWHC 2186 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a), Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 15 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Tooze: Admn 24 Jul 2007
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 defendant appealed against his conviction for driving with excess alcohol, saying that the device used to make the measurement did not have type approval. Held: The appeal failed. Stanley Burnton J considered the issue of type approval of a breath analysis device and said that a device may not be an approved device because … Continue reading Richardson v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 20 Feb 2003
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
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
Citations: [2006] EWHC 1860 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 12 November 2022; Ref: scu.244116
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
Appeal against conviction for driving with excess alcohol – defence claim that prosecution became abuse of process for delay and absence of CCTV evidence lost by police. Citations: [2006] EWHC 1570 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 21 October 2022; Ref: scu.242953
Citations: [2004] EWHC 3165 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 11 October 2022; Ref: scu.226906
The DPP appealed a finding of special reasons for not disqualifying the defendant after finding him guilty of driving with excess alcohol. He had been stopped driving at excess speed, he had driven over a mile and had a further two hundred yards to drive, and had driven through the centre of Congleton. He pointed … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Conroy: Admn 23 Jun 2003
The applicant had unsuccessfully appealed against his conviction for driving with excess alcohol. He had been stopped randomly to check his documents and the road worthiness of the older car. Held: The appeal failed. May LJ said: ‘Whether it be under section 163 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, or under a duty at common … Continue reading Beckett, Regina (on The Application of) v Aylesbury Crown Court: Admn 22 Jan 2004
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 against his conviction for driving with excess alcohol. Judges: Elias LJ, Openshaw J Citations: [2009] EWHC 2824 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 13 August 2022; Ref: scu.396500
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
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 1254 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Road Traffic Updated: 17 July 2022; Ref: scu.270044
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