Tacho offences trial rocked by surprise witness
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• A surprise prosecution witness has led the Selby Magistrates to adjourn the trial of Norman Lewis Tankers and 19 of the company's drivers on a series of drivers hours and tachograph charges until April.
The drivers face a total of 93 allegations of falsifying tachograph charts, driving excessive hours and taking insufficient rest periods.
The company is accused of aiding and abetting the falsification of charts and causing and permitting the other offences said to be committed by the drivers. In addition, the company faces 16 allegations of failing to produce tachograph charts.
Seeking an adjournment Stephen Kirkbright, for the company, said that he had learnt that day that one of the drivers wished to give evidence for the prosecution. That driver would say he committed certain offences because of actions and demands by the company.
If he was believed by the magistrates it would be extremely damaging and the defence needed time to make detailed enquiries that might affect his credibility as a prosecution witness It was a matter of the utmost severity, because if the company was found guilty it could be fined in excess of 100,000 and its operator's licence put in jeopardy.
The magistrates adjourned the case until 11 April.