Overloading convictions quashed: others to follow?
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by Colin Ley • Mr. W. C. Williams, of South Elmsall, was successful in his appeal at the West Riding Quarter Sessions last week when eight convictions and a fine of [40 for using an overloaded goods vehicle were quashed.
On February 17 this year a total of 610 summonses were heard against 63 defendants, including Mr. Williams, at Selby magistrates' court. When Mr. Williams appeared in court it was considered he was guilty as he had not proceeded to his nearest weighbridge after being loaded. At the Appeal Court, however, the view was taken that the nearest available weighbridge was not "commercially practicable," The second nearest weighbridge was, in fact, at the Drax Power Station, near Selby, which was where Mr. Williams was going.
Mr. M. Lawrence, a solicitor connected with the cases, said that following this appeal decision it was likely that others convicted in February would appeal.
Mr. Lawrence told me that one of the defendants, Mr. P. M. Carney, had pleaded not guilty and representations had been made to the counsel for the LA suggesting a joint appeal to the Home Secretary for a Queen's Pardon. "In my opinion Mr. Carney is entitled to a Queen's Pardon without doubt", said Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Carney is the only defendant eligible for a Pardon as all the others pleaded guilty.