Safe Speed Forums

A lorry driver who fell asleep at the wheel and caused a crash, has highlighted a state of affairs, where it seems the sentencing one receives, depends on where you live/are prosecuted!


Clearly this is just one of many such incidences every week.
Isn't it about time that ALL defendants received the SAME justice, no matter where they live or go to court?
Or is it right that local concerns are reflected in the sentences handed down?

There was a time when motorists being followed on the M6 for motoring violations, were allowed to carry on to Shap before being stopped. This came about because Shap magistrates were known to be tough on sentencing errant motorists!!

Original story here.

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Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

Magistrates

Lawyers

We get dizzy going around in circles because of these people

And you are right - the law should apply equally no matter of class, gender, locality...

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Take with a chuckle or a grain of salt
Drive without COAST and it's all your own fault!

A SMILE is a curve that sets everything straight (P Diller).

A Smiley Per post
FINES USfor our COAST!

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon - but driving with a smile and a COAST calm mind.

Every case is different and we depend on the judiciary to make appropriate judgements. It's never going to be perfect, but I can't imagine anything better.

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Paul Smith
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The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

Hence my question re. local concerns. Some types of crime must seem more serious in some areas than others, so local people's views should be taken into account.

In this instance however, the court in Dorset intended to give a community service order - and since the driver was from Cumbria, sent the case to Carlisle so his service would be "local" rather than him travelling to Dorset!
However, the Carlisle magistrates seemed minded to give him jail time - contrary to the wishes of the Dorset court.
Surely that does not seem right?

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Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

Ernest, on a similar theme, what do you think will happen when Cumbria & Lanca$hire Constabularies merge next year

"Cautions" at 35, speed course at 36 & 37 as in Lancs at present, or prosecution at 35 as in Speedfinder General country?

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That's how Nazi Germany started. They'll be burning books next. (Brian Noble, Wigan coach - updated 20/4/06!!).

Ernest Marsh wrote:
Isn't it about time that ALL defendants received the SAME justice, no matter where they live or go to court?


Perhaps their employer should also figure in this ( 52 police in Derbys, one in Tellford etc/etc , and the good ones still play by the rules)

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lets bring sanity back to speed limits.
Drivers are like donkeys -they respond best to a carrot, not a stick .Road safety experts are like Asses - best kept covered up ,or sat on