Driver Avoids Jail for Multiple False Records

Solicitor Laura Newton represented a HGV driver who was prosecuted for 11 offences of False Records involving removing the Driver Card from the Tachograph in order to disguise excess hours being driven / insufficient breaks. The usual starting point for multiple offences in a custodial sentence of 6-12 months, being dealt with at the Crown Court. The driver had significant mitigation which was put forward to the Court and after careful deliberation they were persuaded to impose a financial penalty only against the most serious offence and No Separate Penalty against the other 10. The driver was obviously very relieved and will now face a hearing before the Traffic Commissioner for a Driver Conduct Hearing.