I recently read a case from a lady called Elise on the forum with interest because I felt it was very similar to ours and would appreciate some feedback from anyone with similar experience or knowledge.
Just before Christmas last year my partner received an NIP. We didn't send it back at that point but asked the police if they could provide us with further photographic evidence to help identify the driver as my partner shares his van with his colleague who he has worked with every day for the last 27 years. They take turns to drive during the course of the day.
Anyway the evidence came back as clear as mud! Two shots showing the back of the van and a hell of a lot of traffic surrounding. So, a) he was not sure who was driving that day and b) with the amount of cars in the photo they must have all been speeding!
We wrote back and asked if they had any further evidence as we could not remember who was driving on that day and at that particular time. They just didn't seem to reply to our letters but just insisted we identify the driver. Eventually they told us that because we had failed to identify the driver that they were going to set up a file against my partner for failing to give the required information, usual thing.
We didn't hear from them for a while then eventually we got a letter (about 3 days before the Pre-Review Trial because we had moved and it had gone to our previous address). I contacted a solicitor who I found on a website, he is local to us and is notorious for fighting speed camera tickets. However, because we are a bit broke at the moment I cannot keep ringing him and I am obviously concerned. We wrote back to cancel that particular PRT just in time and this solicitor advised us to write to the CPS explaining the situation again, which I did. However a new PRT was set and the solicitor had a feeling that due to our diligence in staying in touch with them and being helpful that they may throw it out. They haven't!!! They have set a court date of the 15th September 2006. I feel sick to my stomach everytime I think about it as I am so angry. I feel he is being treated like a dreadful criminal and he is far from that!
My partner is a very very honest man. I cannot believe this is happening to him when just recently I heard a friend of ours was caught blatantly doing 100mph on camera. He got a telling off when he sent his NIP back unsigned but they did a deal based on giving him just 3 points and the usual £60 fine! He decided to take this and sent off the form, signed this time and they wrote back saying they were dropping the case!!! How can that be? My partner has been helpful all the way and gave the details of his work partner too and yet they still want him in court. They have now changed this from a speeding fine to "Witholding information" surely that is moving the goal post??
I would really appreciate anyone's comments I am feeling really fed up and am usually such a positive person!!! I think it's because I can't be the one to stand up in court and that frustrates me - it's not me on trial. Help!!!!!!!! Yours Jackygee