Successful representations for a 17-year-old charged with driving offences

Our client, a 17-year-old with no previous convictions, was charged with driving without insurance after his temporary cover expired just one day before he was stopped. As a young car repairer and seller, he regularly obtains short-term insurance policies and had genuinely mistaken the expiry date, believing he was still covered at the time.

We made detailed representations to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), highlighting our client’s honest mistake, his good character, and the significant impact a conviction would have on his future. Not only would he have lost his licence and job, but his ability to support his family would also have been jeopardised.

Although this is an offence of strict liability, we argued that an out-of-court disposal would be a fair and proportionate outcome. The CPS initially agreed and referred the matter to the Youth Justice Service (YJS). However, when the YJS declined to offer an out-of-court disposal, we continued to advocate for our client.

Ultimately, the CPS accepted our submissions that prosecution was not in the public interest and discontinued the charge. Our client has now preserved his good character and can continue working towards his goal of opening his own garage.

This case demonstrates our commitment to achieving just outcomes for young people facing criminal allegations and our determination to protect their futures.

Leah Connolly was the solicitor with conduct of this case. She was assisted by Ellie Godwin.