Went to court yesterday for the first time in my life only to expierence a very unorganised bunch of people!!
Upon arrival I was told to fill out another plea form with all my earnings and outgoings etc even though I had already done all these forms and sent these in a good week in advance so I didnt bother.
Then after a short wait my girlfriend was called into a court room but not me and then they realised it was a combined case and called me in late.
We were then asked if we had our plea forms only for us to reply nervously that we had sent them in, only for them to realise that she was sitting right infront of them.
So she read out our plea form and comments then it went to the judges without even giving us a chance to speak, at first they thought I had no insurance either until the police explained it wasnt the case and it was just for me permitting. This didnt fill me with much hope as they really seemed clueless and after they talked amongst themselves for 2minutes they came to the decision we would both get 6 points and a £145 each.
When I asked if I could make any comments I was told I could say what I wanted but it wouldnt make any difference and they said they could have gave me 8 points so I was lucky just to get 6.
It was pointless going to court and getting all dressed up to be honest because everyone else there was just local riff raff and we were dealt with exactly the same like they didnt want to give us the time of day.
Another thing that annoyed me was the fact they didnt explain that I could still drive until I get a letter from the dvla with the date that my license will be revoked.
So now I am just waiting on this letter and then I have to apply for my provisional again and then do my theory and practical test. I have already spoken to my old driving instructor and arranged that once I pass my theory again he will fit me in for a few lessons and try and book my test.
Another thing though is that I have just been offered to go for an interview with BT for a Telecoms Engineer Apprenticship but this requires a full driving license, now the interview is on the 25th, should I just attend and explain my situation as best I can knowing it will do me no favours...
I am gutted about the whole thing but you live and learn I suppose,
Thanks, Sam
you got off very lucky mate!
seems like they only sentenced for one offence each, no insurance itself as an FPN carries £200 fine and 6 points, otherwise in accordance with a license similar though thats always dealt with by court.
use/cause/permit is also 6 points and always dealt with by court.
the unfortunate thing about magistrates from a policing perspective and sometimes fortunate from an 'accused' perspective is that some magistrates know near as makes no difference nothing about the law.
did they seize your car at the roadside aswell or did they allow you to drive it off as you had valid insurance and driving license??
if your a 'reasonable person' and you dress smartly and be courteous and honest etc with the magistrates then it is always worth going to magistrates court as it makes it more personal to hand down the sentence, its not just stamping the returned plea form and going for whatever sentence they deem fit.
however i wouldnt suggest this to anyone as its a waste of taxpayers money
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