Mark Robinson of the Garden Court Crime Team represented the defendant, instructed by Emma Oliphant of Blackfords LLP.
Mark Robinson secured a suspended sentence order for a defendant charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
The defendant was initially arrested for attempted murder, after running over a policeman during a police stop. The police officer suffered a fractured rib as a result of being run over by the defendant.
The prosecution did not proceed with the attempted murder charge, and the case was later reviewed. A guilty plea to causing injury by dangerous driving was accepted by the prosecution, and no evidence was offered to the dangerous driving and s.20 grievous bodily harm charges.
Mark was able to secure bail for the defendant, who was on licence for unrelated matters. The defendant learned that he was being recalled by probation and absconded for two months, missing his sentencing hearing. He was later tracked down, arrested, and brought back before the court.
Mark advanced significant mitigation on behalf of the defendant, citing the case of R v Ali and Operation Early Dawn to highlight the current prison conditions.
Despite the defendant being in breach of his licence conditions, and being recalled to prison, Mark secured a 24-month suspended sentence order, suspended for two years, and a four-week concurrent suspended sentence for the Bail Act offence (absconding). The defendant received a two-year driving disqualification with an extended retest requirement.
The defendant expressed his gratitude for Mark’s efforts.
