Court appearance

[markp4200]

Well, it was today that I appeared before the Magistrates Court.
For a novice, it's something of a eye-opener, having never before set foot in a courtroom.
For anyone who needs to know, this was the culmination of my speeding offence commited back in February.
The result from a very fair and intent panel of Magistrates to my 'Gulity' plea was a 56 day ban and a £185 fine.
I think justice has been done and am happy with the way I was treated.

For anyone caught in this same situation, it's not worth employing a solicitor and best to make an honest plea, a statement of fact of the occasion and acceptance of the laws of the land.

I know that when I am back driving in August I will be very cogniscent of my road manners and of possible consquences.
I did the crime and paid the price. No extenuating circumstances, other than I was NOT driving dangerously (borne out by the arresting officer) and a simple guilty plea (which saves something on the fine as a matter of interest - if you are indeed guilty).

I feel vindicated and my faith in UK law has been enhanced.

Now unless my insurance premium increases by a huge amount, teh Maserati stays with me - Oh what a wonderful feeling!
The more I own it, the more I love it.

As an aside, during a recess, the Clerk of Court was keen to know about the car as he is hoping to buy one too.
So have given a big thumbs up to the marque!

Anyone wanting to know further details, please email me for more info.

 

[ENZ525]

Very happy to hear the report Mark, and in my opinion, your attitude is simply wonderful, I wish you all the best,
Regards,
Enzo.

 

[Pibbow]

Great result Mark .

I've been done (SP50) twice and on both occations plead guilty and was treated very well.

 

[2b1ask1]

As Enzo says, hats off to you in having such a positive approach to the situation.

56 days... Why that's not even two months!

A good excuse to put the car up on stands, drop the wheels off and have a good old clean up underneath etc.

 

[RonnieMack]

I too admire your honesty in this situation and , all things considered, the result was not too bad. As you were not driving dangerously and simply too fast ( We've all done it!) it's heartening to see that the courts recognised this and reflected it in the sentence.
I feel for you mate, and I bet your just glad that it's all over.
Regards,
Ronnie

 

[dickygrace]

I too respect the way in which you have conducted yourself. I do hope the insurance companies don't make you pay for it in a different way.

 

[Emtee]

Good news Mark, and as others have mentioned already, a very even-handed appraisal of the process and outcome on your part. I hope the insurance premium works out for you also.

Em.

 

[markp4200]

Jolly nice of you all to be supportive.
Have done some checking on insurance and I don't think it's going to be terrible.
Such a relief to be able to look forward to that drive in August - be as good as having a new car.

 

[Emtee]

At least the money you save on petrol in 56 days will cover the financial penalty!

 

[Andyk]

Mark, that sounds very fair..Well done. Bet you are more than happy with outcome as I have know people to have alot worse....

 

[marcos]

What you will find is that there are now 50% of underwriters who won't consider you with any driving ban - speaking from experience of my own 56 day ban!

However, they are often the ones who you wouldn't be insuring you anyway so maybe no loss... But always, always declare it!

My experience of court was very different to yours, I had 3 aggressive magistrates, a thoroughly spiteful prosecutor and my guilty plea and very good evidence on my favour from the plod who caught me did nothing. I was lucky to get away with what I did, £400 was a **** of a lot of money 13 years ago!! A solicitor would have benefitted me, just shows you never know what you'll face!

The 56 days will fly by, just a shame it's in the summer. But you'be back driving in no time. Any work tht you can have done to the car in the meantime? You'll save a few £100 in fuel, how about some FD springs?

 

[markp4200]

Marcos,
the days will fly by. can't wait to get out and lavish heaps of attention on it. It's going to be 'as new' when I've done with it.
Also due for annual service and MOT so Emblem will will carrying out their inimitable work as usual - I'd never entrust it to anyone else!
Can't wait!

I think your point is valid, there is no certainty about the magistrates you face - luck of the draw I guess.

Anyway it will all go toward keeping the mileage down; the annual average is less than 4K per annum. And as I notice in PH & AT, mileage seems to be king with 'used car' values of Maseratis.
Might even treat myself to a Maserati baseball cap to celebrate. Or does this make me a bit of an anorak?

Point taken over the insurance - I will be making sure I declare everything.
There is no room for error there.

 

[YHTM]

Hi Mark

Did you get any points on your licence? It does sound that you did well. My 25 year old daughter crashed into the back of a parked car last October - she was injured and taken to hospital and was interviewed by the police before being seen by anyone - in an injured condition (her airbag didn't go off and she hit her head on the steering wheel at 25mph)she stated that she couldn't recall what happened. That was written down by the police sent to the DVLA and she has had her licence withdrawn for 6 months on medical grounds! Her doctor sent a letter saying there was nothing wrong with her and she was fit to drive, the DVLA Medical expert decided that he wouldn't change his decision. No point appealing as hit with legal costs if lose. It then went to court and she was fined £340 and had 5 points on her licence and is still not guaranteed getting her licence back in July. A bit harsh I feel.

 

[marcos]

Did you get any points on your licence?

Getting the ban is effectively 12 points and the license is lost. Unless the rules have changed, you will need to reapply for one as well, mine was confiscated and destroyed, this happens for any ban over 28 days, or athats how it worked for me.

Mark - sounds like she was done for dangerous driving or driving without due care and attention? I'd keep questioning the DVLA medical type, unless she can't account for why she hit the car rather than just not remembering what happened?

 

[Parisien]

Yes Mark, agree with the sage attitudes from fellow forum members.

Doing the right thing is always the hardest thing to do.

And regardless of what a few might say, you've gained a lot of respect from us on here.

Hope the days go by quickly and it hasn't been too harsh a lesson.


P

 

[YHTM]

Mark - sounds like she was done for dangerous driving or driving without due care and attention? I'd keep questioning the DVLA medical type, unless she can't account for why she hit the car rather than just not remembering what happened?

She was done for due care and attention - she does recall what happened but was in shock and upset at the time and couldn't get her thoughts together. She has applied for her licence back and we will see what happens and certainly appeal if the 'ban' continues.

 

[Parisien]

Good to see shes trying to correct a wrong, however frustrating and difficult it is.


P

 

[Rusty Moskvitch]

You might be able to get some advice on http://www.pepipoo.com

 

[Simon]

56 Days sounds a bit harsh as thats the max sentence for speeding. Didn't they give you a discount for 1st offence and pleading guilty early? Was was the exact speed that they charged you with? Maybe thats why they were pretty tough.

 

[markp4200]

YH,
that's harsh.
I am sorry for her ..and you.
Sometimes, justice is hard to understand and it's very much in the lap of the serving bench.

As to points, I am led to understand from the Court Clerk, that it is purely a ban, the bench chose that in preference to points.
Ah well, I don't want to go back there again so the old girl will be driven with a soft right foot in August which will probably help with the old mpgs.