Our client, Raj, was very relieved to have avoided a custodial sentence when he appeared for the second time at Leeds Magistrates’ Court recently.
With a breath reading of 148mg, Raj had been advised by drink driving solicitor Forrest Williams that this placed him in the highest category of offender. Even the fact that he had no previous drink driving offences within the last 10 years would not protect him from the risk of a prison sentence – the Magistrates’ Sentencing Guidelines suggest up to 26 weeks’ custody for a reading at the upper end of the most serious category.
At the first hearing, Raj’s guilty plea was entered and, due to the high reading, the matter was adjourned for pre-sentence reports. Raj was ordered to meet with Probation Services within the next few days and then return to court for sentencing.
At the second hearing, the specialist motoring law Barrister instructed by Forrest Williams advanced full mitigation, which drew the court’s attention to Raj’s impeccable character, his commitment to furthering his education and his intention to work abroad in the very near future.
The Barrister also asked the court to take into consideration Raj’s limited driving experience, and his remorse following the drink driving offence.
We are delighted to report that the District Judge agreed to comply with our Barrister’s request to accept the recommendations of the Probation Officer’s report and gave Raj an 18 month Community Order and ordered him to perform 120 hours of unpaid work. Raj was also disqualified from driving for a period of 36 months.
Another delighted client who says he would recommend our professional services to other motorists!
