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Barbera, Messegua, and Jabardo v Spain: ECHR 6 Dec 1988

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

RoadPeace v Secretary of State for Transport: Admn 7 Nov 2017

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

Regina v Government of Holloway Prison, Ex parte Jennings: HL 1983

J sought habeas corpus to avoid her extradition to California on a charge of manslaughter arising from a motor accident. Her counsel argued that the unlawful killing of another by the reckless driving of a motor vehicle on a road was no longer manslaughter by the law of England, since the enactment of the Road … Continue reading Regina v Government of Holloway Prison, Ex parte Jennings: HL 1983

Regina v Martin (Colin): CACD 29 Nov 1988

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

Acts

1267 – 1278 – 1285 – 1297 – 1361 – 1449 – 1491 – 1533 – 1677 – 1688 – 1689 – 1700 – 1706 – 1710 – 1730 – 1737 – 1738 – 1751 – 1774 – 1792 – 1793 – 1804 – 1814 – 1819 – 1824 – 1828 – 1831 – 1832 … Continue reading Acts

Martin v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 30 Nov 1999

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

Mohindra v Director of Public Prosecutions; Browne v The Chief Constable Of Greater Manchester: Admn 15 Mar 2004

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

John Kimball Stewart v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 2 Jun 2003

The defendant gave two specimens of breath, but they differed so markedly that the officer considered them unreliable. He offered the defendant the choice of a further two attempts or to give a specimen of blood or urine. He was convicted on the second set of breath tests. He appealed, saying he should not have … Continue reading John Kimball Stewart v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 2 Jun 2003

Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions v Snowdon: Admn 4 Nov 2002

The Secretary of State appealed a finding that the applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a licence to drive a passenger carrying vehicle, despite his conviction for two offences of indecent assault on a girl under 15, and his name being entered on the sex offenders’ register. Held: There was no provision … Continue reading Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions v Snowdon: Admn 4 Nov 2002

Regina v Woodward (Terence): CACD 7 Dec 1994

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

Regina v Powell: CACD 14 Jul 1997

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

Director of Public Prosecutions v Walsall Magistrates’ Court and Another: Admn 5 Dec 2019

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

Purnell, Regina (on The Application of) v Snaresbrook Crown Court: Admn 30 Mar 2011

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

Director of Public Prosecutions v Wood: QBD 19 Jan 2006

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

A and others v Secretary of State for the Home Department (No 2): HL 8 Dec 2005

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

Logan and Another v Procurator Fiscal: HCJ 2 Jul 2008

The appellant challenged sentences for driving whilst disqualified. The defendant questioned the extent of the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament under judicial scrutiny on grounds other than compliance with Convention rights. Judges: Lord Nimmo Smith Citations: [2008] ScotHC HCJAC – 61, 2009 SCL 83, 2008 SCCR 815, 2008 GWD 35-535, [2008] HCJAC 61, 2008 … Continue reading Logan and Another v Procurator Fiscal: HCJ 2 Jul 2008

Lumba (WL) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 23 Mar 2011

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

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 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

Flegg v Justices of the Peace for the New Forest Local Justice Area Sitting at Lyndhurst: Admn 21 Feb 2006

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

Director of Public Prosecutions v Wood; Director of Public Prosecutions v McGillicuddy: Admn 19 Jan 2006

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

Clarke, Regina v; Regina v McDaid: HL 6 Feb 2008

An indictment had not been signed despite a clear statutory provision that it should be. The defects were claimed to have been cured by amendment before sentence. Held: The convictions failed. Sections 1(1) and 2(1) of the 1933 Act which provided for a bill of indictment (which had of itself no legal standing save as … Continue reading Clarke, Regina v; Regina v McDaid: HL 6 Feb 2008

Steadman v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 15 Apr 2002

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

Francis v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 23 Mar 2004

The defendant appealed against his conviction for having failed to identify the driver of a car caught speeding by a camera. He was the registered keeper. He completed and returned the form, but did not sign it. The statute imposed no explicit obligation to sign it. He also said that since he was already suspected … Continue reading Francis v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 23 Mar 2004

Khatibi v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 28 Jan 2004

Judges: May LJ, Nelson J Citations: [2004] EWHC 83 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Paterson v Director of Public Prosecutions 1990 . . Cited – Regina v Jackson CACD 21-May-1996 Time should be saved by explicit admissions of all elements of expert case. . … Continue reading Khatibi v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 28 Jan 2004

Cooksley, Stride, Cook, Crump v Regina; Attorney General’s Reference No 152 of 2002: CACD 3 Apr 2003

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

Roerig v Valiant Trawlers Ltd: CA 28 Jan 2002

The claimant who was Dutch, was a widow of a fisherman who had died at sea. The question on appeal was ‘in assessing damages for loss of dependency should benefits resulting from the loss be deducted from the damages?’ The claimant’s position under Dutch law was different, with all benefits deducted from any compensation awarded. … Continue reading Roerig v Valiant Trawlers Ltd: CA 28 Jan 2002

Regina v Roberts and George: CACD 31 Jul 1996

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

Director of Public Prosecutions v Lonsdale: QBD 16 Feb 2001

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

Whiteside v The Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 21 Dec 2011

The defendant appealed by case stated against conviction under section 172 of failing to provide appropriate driver details. The notices had been received at his address, but he had been unaware of them. He was at the time working regularly in the far East for week at a time. Held: The reference to due diligence … Continue reading Whiteside v The Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 21 Dec 2011

Director of Public Prosecutions v Warren: HL 9 Dec 1992

It was a Police Constable’s responsibility to decide whether a blood or urine specimen was to be taken. He needn’t offer the urine option: ‘it is clear that under section 8(2) the driver, in order that he may decide whether or not to claim that the breath specimen be replaced, should be fully informed of … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Warren: HL 9 Dec 1992

Jubb v Director of Public Prosecutions: 2002

The arrested driver was given a warning under section 7(7) before two specimens of breath were obtained. The officer thought the specimens unreliable being of uneven volume. The officer then gave the appellant the chance to repeat the breath analysis procedure, but stressed that the appellant was under no obligation to do so. The appellant … Continue reading Jubb v Director of Public Prosecutions: 2002

Ridehalgh, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 23 May 2005

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

Smith v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 30 Jan 2007

The defendant appealed his conviction for driving with excess alcohol, arguing that the prosecution had failed to provide the roadside breath test figures. Held: The appeal failed, and was indeed hopeless. Pill LJ said: ‘The specimens of breath which established whether or not a defendant has committed an offence under section 5(1) of the 1988 … Continue reading Smith v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 30 Jan 2007

Regina v Lawrence (Stephen): HL 1981

The defendant had ridden a motor-cycle and hit a pedestrian. The court asked whether he had been reckless. Held: The House understood recklessness as ‘a state of mind stopping short of deliberate intention, and going beyond mere inadvertence’ and ‘It is for the jury to decide whether the risk created by the manner in which … Continue reading Regina v Lawrence (Stephen): HL 1981

Ng v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 26 Jan 2007

Defendant convicted for driving wth excess alcohol – Appeal against finding that no special reasons for reducing penalty – belch during breath test artificially raising reading. Citations: [2007] EWHC 36 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Offenders Act 34(1), Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 06 April 2022; Ref: … Continue reading Ng v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 26 Jan 2007

Director of Public Prosecutions v Hay: QBD 13 Jun 2005

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

Director of Public Prosecutions v Camp: Admn 15 Dec 2017

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

D (A Minor), Regina (on the Application of) v Camberwell Green Youth Court: HL 27 Jan 2005

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

Regina v Marchant and Another: CACD 21 Jul 2003

The second defendant, a farmer, employed the first defendant, inter alia, to drive his tractor. The tractor, when fitted up was necessarily dangerous, but was licensed to be driven on the roads. There was a fatal accident on the highway. The defendants appealed from convictions for causing death by dangerous driving. Held: The Court concluded … Continue reading Regina v Marchant and Another: CACD 21 Jul 2003

Clarke v Kato and Others; Cutter v Eagle Star Insurance Co Ltd: HL 25 Nov 1998

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

Parry v Cleaver: HL 5 Feb 1969

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

Coates v Crown Prosecution Service: Admn 29 Jul 2011

The defendant appealed by case stated against his conviction for driving a Segway scooter on a footpath. He denied that it was ‘a mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads.’ Held: The appeal failed. The district judge had correctly read and applied the authorities. The manufacturer’s statement that the Segway was not … Continue reading Coates v Crown Prosecution Service: Admn 29 Jul 2011

Masterman-Lister v Brutton and Co, Jewell and Home Counties Dairies (No 1): CA 19 Dec 2002

Capacity for Litigation The claimant appealed against dismissal of his claims. He had earlier settled a claim for damages, but now sought to re-open it, and to claim in negligence against his former solicitors, saying that he had not had sufficient mental capacity at the time to accept the offer. Held: There is no definition … Continue reading Masterman-Lister v Brutton and Co, Jewell and Home Counties Dairies (No 1): CA 19 Dec 2002

Richardson v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 28 Feb 2019

Private Car park was not a public plae. The defendant appealed from his conviction for being drunk in charge of a vehicle in a public place. The place was marked private but allowed for paring for designated businesses. Held: The appeal succeeded. The phrase public phrase had to be read ejusdem generis with ‘road’. Whether … Continue reading Richardson v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 28 Feb 2019

Goodes v East Sussex County Council: HL 16 Jun 2000

The claimant was driving along a road. He skidded on ice, crashed and was severely injured. He claimed damages saying that the Highway authority had failed to ‘maintain’ the road. Held: The statutory duty on a highway authority to keep a road in repair did not include an absolute duty to remove all ice. The … Continue reading Goodes v East Sussex County Council: HL 16 Jun 2000

Connelly v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 1964

Plea of Autrefois Acquit is Narrow in Scope The defendant had been tried for and acquitted of murder. The prosecution then sought to have him tried for robbery out of the same alleged facts. The House considered his plea of autrefois convict. Held: The majority identified a narrow principle of autrefois, applicable only where the … Continue reading Connelly v Director of Public Prosecutions: HL 1964

Ghaidan v Godin-Mendoza: HL 21 Jun 2004

Same Sex Partner Entitled to tenancy Succession The protected tenant had died. His same-sex partner sought a statutory inheritance of the tenancy. Held: His appeal succeeded. The Fitzpatrick case referred to the position before the 1998 Act: ‘Discriminatory law undermines the rule of law because it is the antithesis of fairness. It brings the law … Continue reading Ghaidan v Godin-Mendoza: HL 21 Jun 2004

Coates, Regina v: Misc 18 Jan 2011

(Barnsley Magistrates Court) The defendant owned a Segway, a two wheeled vehicle. He was charged with having driven it on a public footpath despite its being a motor vehicle. He denied that it was a motor vehicle ‘adapted or intended for use on the road’. Held: ‘If I am satisfied from all the evidence presented, … Continue reading Coates, Regina v: Misc 18 Jan 2011

Philip Owen Lloyd-Wolper v Robert Moore; National Insurance Guarantee Corporation Plc, Charles Moore: CA 22 Jun 2004

The first defendant drove a car belonging to his father and insured by his father. The father consented to the driving but under a mistaken belief that his son was licensed. The claimant was injured by the defendant in a road traffic accident. Held: For insurance purposes, the father could validly permit the driving when … Continue reading Philip Owen Lloyd-Wolper v Robert Moore; National Insurance Guarantee Corporation Plc, Charles Moore: CA 22 Jun 2004

Regina v Immigration Officer at Prague Airport and another, ex parte European Roma Rights Centre and others: HL 9 Dec 2004

Extension oh Human Rights Beyond Borders The appellants complained that the system set up by the respondent where Home Office officers were placed in Prague airport to pre-vet applicants for asylum from Romania were dsicriminatory in that substantially more gypsies were refused entry than others, and that it was contrary to the obligations of the … Continue reading Regina v Immigration Officer at Prague Airport and another, ex parte European Roma Rights Centre and others: HL 9 Dec 2004

A v Secretary of State for the Home Department, and X v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Dec 2004

The applicants had been imprisoned and held without trial, being suspected of international terrorism. No criminal charges were intended to be brought. They were foreigners and free to return home if they wished, but feared for their lives if they did. A British subject, who was suspected in the exact same way, and there were … Continue reading A v Secretary of State for the Home Department, and X v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 16 Dec 2004

Weightman v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 6 Mar 2007

Magistrates to identify reasons for finding guilt The defendant appealed agains his conviction under section 172 of the 1988 Act. He had been abroad when his car attracted the speeding fine, but had been unable to identify which iof the several people who might have driven it, had done so. Held: The decision of the … Continue reading Weightman v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 6 Mar 2007

McTear v Imperial Tobacco Ltd: OHCS 31 May 2005

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

Wilkinson, Regina (on The Application of) v HM Coroner for The Greater Manchester South District: Admn 11 Oct 2012

The court was asked whether evidence of the commission of the criminal offence of causing death by careless driving contrary to section 2B of the 1988 Act is capable of justifying a verdict of ‘unlawful killing’ at an inquest. Held: The coroner had been wrong to leave the offences of causing death by dangerous driving … Continue reading Wilkinson, Regina (on The Application of) v HM Coroner for The Greater Manchester South District: Admn 11 Oct 2012