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Murray v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 4 Feb 1993

The defendant claimed that a breathalyser procedure mistake vitiated the subsequent prosecution. Held: It was essential that the motorist who was asked to provide a sample of breath be first warned that a failure to provide a specimen would make him liable to be prosecuted. Even though the motorist had not in this case been … Continue reading Murray v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 4 Feb 1993

Regina v Simmonds: CACD 24 Feb 1999

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: Gazette 24-Feb-1999, Gazette 17-Mar-1999 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 08 May … Continue reading Regina v Simmonds: CACD 24 Feb 1999

Mayon v Director of Public Prosecutions: 1988

In the absence of evidence of calibration of an Intoximeter either before or after the second specimen was produced, there had been a failure to prove the precondition that the machine was working satisfactorily. Citations: [1988] RTR 281 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Sneyd v Director of Public Prosecutions Admn 24-Feb-2006 The … Continue reading Mayon v Director of Public Prosecutions: 1988

Director of Public Prosecutions v Noe: QBD 19 Apr 2000

When required to give a sample of breath, the motorist consented but made his consent conditional upon first having access to a law book. He was charged with refusing to provide a specimen of breath without a lawful excuse. A motorist is not entitled to add a condition to his consent, and he had no … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Noe: QBD 19 Apr 2000

Attorney General v Malta: 10 Dec 1991

The applcant challenged a provision which imposed criminal liability on a director of a body which had committed a criminal offence ‘unless he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge and that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence’. The Commission found the application to be manifestly ill-founded. … Continue reading Attorney General v Malta: 10 Dec 1991

Beauchamp Thomson v Director of Public Prosecutions: 1989

Citations: [1989] RTR 54 Statutes: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 15 Cited by: Cited – Director of Public Prosecutions, Regina (on the Application Of) v Chambers Admn 25-Jul-2003 The prosecutor appealed dismissal of charges of driving with excess alcohol. The defendant had admited driving, but said she had consumed alcohol in the twenty minutes between … Continue reading Beauchamp Thomson v Director of Public Prosecutions: 1989

Sadiku v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 3 Dec 1999

Trafalgar Square is properly a road. The question is one of fact for the justices. In this case the police officer properly stopped a vehicle with a view to carrying out a vehicle inspection. Citations: Times 03-Dec-1999 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 67, 69 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 28 April 2022; Ref: … Continue reading Sadiku v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 3 Dec 1999

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

Lord-Castle v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 23 Jan 2009

The defendant appealed by case stated from his conviction for using a motor vehicle fitted with a siren. When stopped various items suggesting that driver might be providing an ambulance service were found. The siren was not used. Held: The test was: ‘is the vehicle concerned used (or primarily used) for conveying the sick, the … Continue reading Lord-Castle v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 23 Jan 2009

Director of Public Prosecutions v Potts: QBD 4 Dec 1988

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

Director of Public Prosecutions v Spicer: Admn 13 Mar 1997

The defendant had successfully argued no case to answer, on a charge of driving without due care. The prosecutor appealed by way of case stated. From the detailed notes available to the court, it was clear that there was evidence before them to put the defendant to an answer. Case remitted. Citations: [1997] EWHC Admin … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Spicer: Admn 13 Mar 1997

Regina v Burton Upon Trent Magistrates Court Ex Parte Woolley: QBD 17 Nov 1994

An injured suspect should still be asked why a blood specimen should not to be taken. A failure to follow the statutory procedure to request a blood sample in hospital had misled the driver. Citations: Independent 27-Jan-1995, Independent 29-Dec-1994, Times 17-Nov-1994 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Road Traffic Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.86259

Oldham Borough Council v Sajjad: Admn 19 Dec 2016

The appeal is brought by the appellant against the decision of the Justices that the respondent was not guilty of the offence of using a motor vehicle on a road without there being in force a valid policy of insurance, contrary to section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Judges: McCombe LJ, Kerr J … Continue reading Oldham Borough Council v Sajjad: Admn 19 Dec 2016

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

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

R and S Pilling (T/A Phoenix Engineering) v UK Insurance Ltd: SC 27 Mar 2019

The driver’s car failed its MOT., He took it to private premises to repair. In those repairs, inflammable materials ignited and the fire spread those premises and adjoining third party premises. The premise’ insurers paid the owners of both and claimed an indemnity from the driver. His motor policy covered him, as required in respect … Continue reading R and S Pilling (T/A Phoenix Engineering) v UK Insurance Ltd: SC 27 Mar 2019

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

Selby v Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset: QBD 1988

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

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

Invicta Plastics Limited v Clare: QBD 1976

Those advertising and selling devices which were designed to detect the presence of police radar speed devices commit the offence of incitement under section 1(1) of the 1949 Act which required a licence for the use of such apparatus. [1976] RTR 251, [1976] Crim LR 131 Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 1(1) England and Wales Cited … Continue reading Invicta Plastics Limited v Clare: QBD 1976

Director of Public Prosecutions v Kavaz: Admn 25 Nov 1997

[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

Mahmood v Vehicle Inspectorate: Admn 5 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

Leetham v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 13 Oct 1997

The Appellant appeals by way of Case Stated against a decision of the Faversham and Sittingbourne Justices in Kent whereby, on 13th October 1997, they convicted him of an offence of driving while unfit through drugs, contrary to section 4(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act … Continue reading Leetham v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 13 Oct 1997

Mullen, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 29 Apr 2004

The claimant had been imprisoned, but his conviction was later overturned. He had been a victim of a gross abuse of executive power. The British authorities had acted in breach of international law and had been guilty of ‘a blatant and extremely serious failure to adhere to the rule of law with regard to the … Continue reading Mullen, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: HL 29 Apr 2004

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

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

Regina v Conway: CACD 28 Jul 1988

The defendant appealed against his conviction for reckless driving. He said the offence was committed out of necessity, since his passenger’s life was under threat. Held: Necessity can only be a defence to a charge of reckless driving where the facts establish ‘duress of circumstances’ . . where the defendant was constrained by circumstances to … Continue reading Regina v Conway: CACD 28 Jul 1988

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

Forensic Telecommunications Services Ltd v West Yorkshire Police and Another: ChD 9 Nov 2011

The claimant alleged infringement by the defendant of assorted intellectual property rights in its database. It provided systems for recovering materials deleted from Nokia mobile phones. Held: ‘the present case is concerned with a collection of numerical data . . the individual items of data are not protected by copyright. It follows that the collection … Continue reading Forensic Telecommunications Services Ltd v West Yorkshire Police and Another: ChD 9 Nov 2011

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

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

Ladd v Marshall: CA 29 Nov 1954

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

Robbie the Pict v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 26 Apr 2009

The defendant, a road traffic camera campaigner appealed against his conviction for contravening a red light traffic signal, saying that the camera was not approved. Held: The appeal failed. A ‘prescribed device’ was a ‘device of a description specified in an order made by the secretary of state’. The camera had been so specified in … Continue reading Robbie the Pict v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 26 Apr 2009

O’Connell v Jackson: CA 7 Jul 1971

Motorcyclist negligent without helmet The plaintiff sought damages after an accident. The defendant car driver had negligently moved forward into the path of the plaintiff motor cyclist who was injured. The defendant argued that the plaintiff, a motorcyclist, was contributorily negligent in not wearing a crash helmet. Held: Once the court had established that the … Continue reading O’Connell v Jackson: CA 7 Jul 1971

Moseley, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Haringey: SC 29 Oct 2014

Consultation requirements The claimant challenged a decision of the respondent reducing the benefits under the Council Tax Reduction Scheme reducing Council Tax for those in need, saying that the Council’s consultation had been inadequate. Held: The consultation was procedurally unfair because the consultation documentation gave a misleading impression in failing to mention other ways of … Continue reading Moseley, Regina (on The Application of) v London Borough of Haringey: SC 29 Oct 2014

Goldsmith v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 4 Nov 2009

The court was asked whether a defendant who pleads guilty to an offence of driving with excess alcohol contrary to section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and therefore admits that he was driving ‘over the limit’, can seek a Newton hearing to contest the amount by which the prosecution allege he was over … Continue reading Goldsmith v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 4 Nov 2009

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

Lac and others v Clayton: CA 3 Feb 2009

Highway Code applied by analogy The defendant contended that the three claimants had negligently contributed to the losses they suffered in a road traffic accident of which he admitted primary liability. There had been a spillage of oil, it was dark, the weather was poor, and the claimant passed the scene of an accident over … Continue reading Lac and others v Clayton: CA 3 Feb 2009

Swales v Cox: CA 1981

Police officers had entered a house in pursuit of a suspected burglar. Held: It is a condition of any lawful breaking of premises that the person seeking entry has demanded and been refused entry by the occupier. Donaldson LJ said: ‘it is conceded in this case that (the trial judge) correctly analysed the position at … Continue reading Swales v Cox: CA 1981

Crown Prosecution Service, Regina (on The Application of) v Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court: Admn 27 Nov 2009

The Service appealed by case stated against the dismissal of a charge of driving with excess alcohol. The arresting officer had not administered the roadside breath test not having one with him, and had not been trained to make the necessary assessment. The driver had said that the arrest without the test was unlawful. Held: … Continue reading Crown Prosecution Service, Regina (on The Application of) v Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court: Admn 27 Nov 2009

Regina v Legal Aid Board ex parte Kaim Todner (a Firm of Solicitors): CA 10 Jun 1998

Limitation on Making of Anonymity Orders A firm of solicitors sought an order for anonymity in their proceedings against the LAB, saying that being named would damage their interests irrespective of the outcome. Held: The legal professions have no special part in the law as a party to entitle a court to allow a solicitors … Continue reading Regina v Legal Aid Board ex parte Kaim Todner (a Firm of Solicitors): CA 10 Jun 1998

Bannister, Regina v: CACD 28 Jul 2009

The defendant appealed his conviction for dangerous driving. As a police officer he had driven at over 110 mph on a motorway in the wet, lost control and crashed. He said that the fact that he had undertaken the police advanced drivers’ course should be taken into account in deciding whether he had been driving … Continue reading Bannister, Regina v: CACD 28 Jul 2009

Director of Public Prosecutions v Barreto: Admn 31 Jul 2019

Non-communications use of phone not caught The DPP appealed from a decision overturning the conviction of the respondent for the use while driving of a mobile phone to take pictures. Held: The phrasing of the statute limited the offence to one of using the phone for communication purposes. Other uses were not caught by the … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Barreto: Admn 31 Jul 2019

Mason v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 15 Jul 2009

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

In re Peters: CA 1988

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

Hereford and Worcester County Council v Pick; 1 Apr 1995

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

Acts

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Butler v Director of Public Prosecutions: CACD 20 Dec 2000

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

Crown Prosecution Service v Sedgemoor Justices: Admn 3 Jul 2007

Prosecutors appeal against refusal to accept evidence from academic toxicologist who was not an ‘authorised analyst’ of blood alcohol levels. Whether only ‘authorised analyst’ able to give evidence. Judges: Hughes LJ, Treacy J Citations: [2007] EWHC 1803 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988, 591) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 06 December … Continue reading Crown Prosecution Service v Sedgemoor Justices: Admn 3 Jul 2007

O’Sullivan v Director of Public Prosecutions: 27 Mar 2000

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

Director of Public Prosecutions v Tooze: Admn 24 Jul 2007

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

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

Richardson v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 20 Feb 2003

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