Motoring & Vehicle Crime
David has developed and maintains a heavyweight criminal practice which is made up of predominantly defence work, although he has significant experience of both prosecuting and defending a whole range of cases involving motoring and vehicle crime including fatal and non-fatal accidents, frauds, car-ringing, as well as the more regular road traffic offences.
Many cases require specialist knowledge and very often a sensitive approach. David has the required mix of an up-to-date awareness of the relevant legislation together with an ability to deal (both outside and inside court) with technical expert evidence.
He is often requested by clients to act on a private basis due to his reputation for successfully dealing with road traffic matters both in the Magistrate’s and Crown Courts.
Motoring & Vehicle Crime Cases
R v Brown – represented the Defendant, a bus driver, who was charged with causing death by careless driving after an 88-year-old passenger fell and suffered a blunt head injury and inoperable brain bleed after he drove away from the bus stop before she sat down. Defendant acquitted.
R v Evans – prosecuted defendant charged with causing death by dangerous driving where 21 year old female killed whilst passenger in vehicle travelling at excessive speed by the driver over the alcohol limit.
R v Wynne – represented defendant charged with causing death by dangerous driving in both the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal. The case is now leading sentencing authority and is reported in the Current Sentencing Practice.
R v Bates (& Others) – ‘Operation Lambeth’. Prosecuted multi-handed conspiracy involving large scale and long term dealings in stolen cars and parts. Very complex and sensitive issues regarding the complicity of Police Officers from the Stolen Vehicle Squad. Case monitored throughout by disciplinary department of Greater Manchester Police to ascertain whether any criminal charges or disciplinary measures were appropriate for individual officers.
R v Williams & Darbyshire – prosecuted the defendants, one of whom was a serving Police Officer, charged with Conspiracy to Pervert the Course of Justice relating to falsifying driving documents and police records to avoid prosecution for driving offences. Case dealt with and monitored by senior Police Officers from the internal disciplinary department.
R v Torkington – represented defendant charged with Causing Death by Dangerous Driving. Case attracted national publicity.
R v Casales (& Others) – represented one of the directors of UK North and GM Buses Enterprises Ltd charged with conspiracy to defraud. Case involved the falsifying of documents used in proceedings before the Traffic Commissioner to cover up breaches of driving regulations. This case was reported nationally which included an investigative TV programme. Defendant acquitted.
