Attended a pre-trial review at Port Talbot today, following me pleading not guilty by post to 93 in a 70 on the M4 and Failing to privide details etc.
Whilst I was a bit nervous, I tried to speak slowly and clearly, and to my surprise, the clerk of the court and one of the Mags were very helpful and tried hard to explain what it was all about.
They asked if I understood the charges, and if I had read the witness statements. They then asked what my defence was.. I stated that I was not in a position to divulge the finer points of my defence in respect of the S172 charge (my actual defence is that they've charged me "as keeper of the vehicle... - I'm not the keeper. And also, I gave them all my details in a letter, just not on The S172 form, so I'll be using the "nowhere in law is it required that the info should be on the form.."
Anyway, when they came onto the speeding offence, they asked what evidence I would be using, to which I rather cheekily replied " I intend to use the prosecution's own evidence, in the form of the video, but only when the prosecution can supply it to me - I have already asked three times...!" The clerk turned to the Mag and then addressed the prosecution, who said that the camera unit's policy was not to produce copies, and if I wanted to see the video, it could be played in court. I repsectfully remarked that I had requested the evidence so that I could "have it expertly examined" so only allowing me to see it at court would not be allowing me sufficient time to examine it fully and compile a response. The mags agreed, and following a note from a friend that accompanied me (more of him later), the clerk suggested to the prosecution that given the distance (320 mile round trip) they should send the video to another camera partnership. I said this was still unacceptable, as my expert may need to examine at his leisure.
NOW HERE'S THE CRUNCH - the prosecution then said, "I don't know why the video is being requested, because it doesn't show the speed"
errr - pardon?
I was then told to formally request the video evidence in writing (again). I think the mags were trying to say to the prosecution "c'mon, he's asked three times already, just send it"
My question MUST be, if the video does not show the speed, what use is it, other than a medium to record tonight's Eastenders
Trial scheduled for 19th May @ 2:15pm. If CPS persist in going all the way with this, I could really do with a McKenzie friend there. Happy to pay for the priviledge.
Finally, through my currently nameless friend, I have become aware that the South Wales Camera Partnership are under threat of prosecution due to their repeated use of unmarked and covert camera locations, and the fact that some stretches of road used REPEATEDLY (they even have pre-printed statements showing the location) do not have the required number of accidents to warrant a camera presence.
I have been promised information that with a little bit of luck, should see me not even bothering to go to South Wales again on 19/5.
Incidentally, the "Welcome to Wales" signs on the A449 have been removed. Speaks volumes. In fact, just to make all the non-welsh feel a bit better:
QUOTE
Three guys, one Welsh, one English, and one Scottish, are out walking along the beach together one day. They come across a lantern and a Genie pops out of it.
"I will give you each one wish, that's three wishes in total", says the Genie.
The Scottish guy says, "I am a fisherman, my Dad's a fisherman, his Dad was a fisherman and my son will be one too. I want all the oceans full of fish for all eternity."
So, with a blink of the Genie's eye, "VAFOOM" the oceans were teaming with fish.
The Welshman was amazed, so he said, "I want a wall around Wales, protecting her, so that no one will get in for all eternity.
Again, with a blink of the Genie's eye "VAFOOM" there was a huge wall around Wales.
The Englishman asks, "I'm very curious. Please tell me more about this wall."
The Genie explains, "well, it's about 250 feet high, 50 feet thick, protecting Wales so that nothing can get in or out."
The Englishman says, "great - fill it up with water!"
"I will give you each one wish, that's three wishes in total", says the Genie.
The Scottish guy says, "I am a fisherman, my Dad's a fisherman, his Dad was a fisherman and my son will be one too. I want all the oceans full of fish for all eternity."
So, with a blink of the Genie's eye, "VAFOOM" the oceans were teaming with fish.
The Welshman was amazed, so he said, "I want a wall around Wales, protecting her, so that no one will get in for all eternity.
Again, with a blink of the Genie's eye "VAFOOM" there was a huge wall around Wales.
The Englishman asks, "I'm very curious. Please tell me more about this wall."
The Genie explains, "well, it's about 250 feet high, 50 feet thick, protecting Wales so that nothing can get in or out."
The Englishman says, "great - fill it up with water!"