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
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
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
The appellant had been convicted of causing death by careless driving with excess alcohol. He said that he had taken alcohol after stopping driving but before being tested. He challenged the weight of the burden of proof ascribed by the statute. The judge had directed the jury that he faced a persuasive burden of establishing … Continue reading Drummond v Regina: CACD 7 Mar 2002
The case asked whether vehicular user of a public footpath in breach of section 34(1) of the 1988 Act could lead to the acquisition by prescription of a public right of way. Held: Hanning barred a claim to the easement under section 2 of the 1832 Act. The user relied on had been illegal since … Continue reading Hayling v Harper and Another: CA 2 Apr 2003
The prosecution appealed by way of case stated from the acquittal of the defendant for failing to provide a specimen of breath. She had been distressed on being arrested, and the magistrates concluded that her distress had been the cause of her failing to provide the specimen at the police station. They certified a question … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Grundy: Admn 3 May 2006
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
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
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
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
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
Judges: Mr Justice Chamberlain Citations: [2022] EWHC 2780 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 7(3A), Road Traffic Act 1988 42 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 04 November 2022; Ref: scu.682330
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
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
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
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
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 Elias Mr Justice Openshaw Citations: [2009] EWHC 3082 (Admin), (2010) 174 JP 111 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 7(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 25 October 2022; Ref: scu.381667
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
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: [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
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 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 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 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
The defendant, having succeeded at the crown court in reducing his ban for driving offences, now appealed a small order for costs in his favour. Held: He was entitled to the just and reasonable costs of making the appeal. The award of andpound;150 instead of andpound;650 without giving reasons was wrong. No solicitor whether in … Continue reading Galandauer v Snaresbrook Crown Court: Admn 27 Jun 2006
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
Where an officer was told in the police station of a medical reason why the suspect should not provide a sample of blood, and had had to suspend the procedure, the officer should ensure that the same information should be provided to the hospital. The defendant asserted that he suffered from ‘immune system breakdown’. The … Continue reading Butler v Director of Public Prosecutions: CACD 20 Dec 2000
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
Citations: [2004] EWHC 594 (Admin), [2005] RTR 1, [2004] 2 All ER 902 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 6(4) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 10 September 2022; Ref: scu.195558
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 defendant appealed by case stated against a conviction for driving a lorry without due care and attention, leading to the death of another road user. There had been an unexplained swing of the rear of his trailer out into the path of the other vehicle. Held: It was plainly open to the magistrates to … Continue reading Bingham, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 7 Feb 2003
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 driver appealed against his conviction for speeding, saying that he had not been given the requisite notice within the 14 days required: ‘The notice of intended prosecution had been sent to him by first class ordinary post in circumstances where he would ordinarily have been expected to receive it in 14 days, but in … Continue reading Gidden v Chief Constable of Humberside: Admn 29 Oct 2009
The defendant appealed against a conviction that he had driven a vehicle through a red light contrary to the provisions of section 36(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and related regulations. He said that the Gatsometer device was not an approved device as required, saying that the 1991 Act required any such approval to … Continue reading Robbie the Pict, Regina (On the Application of) v Crown Prosecution Service: Admn 24 Apr 2009
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
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
Failure to provide specimen of blood. Citations: [2004] EWHC 1156 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 26 July 2022; Ref: scu.197830
The defendant appealed aganst his conviction for conspiracy to engage in moneylaundering. At trial he pleaded guilty subject to a qualification that he had not known that the money was the proceeds of crime, though he may have suspected that it would be. Held: (Baroness Hale of Richmond dissenting) The appeal succeeded: ‘the Crown’s principal … Continue reading Saik, Regina v: HL 3 May 2006
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
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
Appeal by way of case stated from a decision convicting the Appellant of the offence of driving a motor vehicle on a road when the proportion of alcohol in her breath exceeded the prescribed limit, contrary to section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 – whether the magistrates, who had retired to consider their … Continue reading Malcolm v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 27 Feb 2007
The defendant appealed against his conviction for driving with excess alcohol. Held: There was no requirement that the prosecutor should produce the results of the roadside breath test in evidence, and the breathalyser was of the approved type. The appeal failed. Reliance had been placed on the fact that the guide to type approval relating … Continue reading Breckon v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 22 Aug 2007
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 defendant appealed his conviction for dangerous driving. The failure of the police to serve him with a notice of intended prosecution invalidated the conviction. The police replied that there was no need for such a notice because there had been an accident. The driver had been stopped but had then driven off. A police … Continue reading Currie, Regina v: CACD 26 Apr 2007
Judges: Collins J Citations: [2007] EWHC 552 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Town Police Clauses Act 1847& 45, Road Traffic Act 1988 143 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 10 July 2022; Ref: scu.251148
The applicants sought judicial review of preliminary directions given for the intended inquest on the deaths of Diana Princess of Wales and of Dodi Al Fayed. It was submitted that the jurisdiction had been wrongly transferred to the Queen’s Coroner under section 14. Held: under the 1988 Act, the Coroner for the Queen’s household was … Continue reading Paul and others v Deputy Coroner of the Queen’s Household and Another: Admn 2 Mar 2007
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
Challenge to accuracy of speed gun. Judges: Waller LJ, Treacy J Citations: [2006] EWHC 3137 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 89, Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 20 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 08 July 2022; Ref: scu.247335
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
Procedures for testing driver for alcohol Judges: The Lord Woolf of Barnes LCJ Citations: [2003] EWHC 3078 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 07 July 2022; Ref: scu.191213
The court rejected the defendant’s argument that the prosecutor should have put in evidence the results of the roadside breath test. Mitting J referred to the case of Badkin: ‘But nothing in the judgment of Glidewell LJ leads to the conclusion that in every case the prosecution must obtain from the manufacturers an analysis of … Continue reading Murphy v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 20 Jun 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
Appeal against stay of prosecution as abuse of process. Held: The appeal failed. Openshaw J said: ‘The concept of a fair trial involves fairness to the prosecution and to the public as well as to the defendant.’ Judges: Scott Baker LJ, Openshaw J Citations: [2006] EWHC 1067 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Meakin: Admn 4 May 2006
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
The defendant appealed against his conviction for driving with excess alcohol. He complained that though the officers suspected him of having consumed alcohol, they asked him whether he had been drinking without cautioning him, and that no print out from the Intoximeter having been produced, there was no evidence on which he could be convicted. … Continue reading Sneyd v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 24 Feb 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
The claimant had been severely injured in a road traffic accident. His claim was compromised and embodied in a court order, but later a question was raised as to whether he had had mental capacity at the time to make the compromise he had. Held: The term ‘patient’ in this context had a meaning specific … Continue reading Bailey v Warre: CA 7 Feb 2006
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
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