DIY defence cuts fine
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• A company director has had his firm's fine reduced by £400 after conducting his own appeal against a "draconian" magistrates ruling last week.
Newhaven-based Network Seafoods and driver Richard Long were clobbered with fines totalling 0,000 in October after pleading guilty to one count of failing to complete a tachograph centrefield and one of failing to return a chart within 21 days (CM 30 Oct-5 Nov).
Director Peter Ellis says he could not afford to pay for further legal representation, so prepared a brief and conducted his own defence at Lewes Crown Court. When told of the charges, the judge asked: "Is that it?" says Ellis. "He reduced the company's fine by £400 and refused to allow the Vehicle Inspectorate's barrister's request for appeal costs."
"Justice has been about 60% done," he adds. "I'm happy that there is some common sense prevailing and I've made a substantial saving, so it was worth doing." He even got a sporting "well done" from the prosecuting barrister after the case.
Ellis would now recommend that other hard-done-by hauliers take similar action. "Just hope you get an understanding judge," he says.