Tack, jail sentences confirmed
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• Three drivers employed by MJ Graves International, of Felixstowe, have lost their appeals against eight-month prison sentences imposed for the falsification of tachograph records. The three, Kevin Saunders, David Hockings and Paul Williams. had appealed to the High Court against the sentences, which were imposed at Ipswich Crown Court in November. The offences came to light following a fatal accident involving one of the company's vehicles.
Peter Lownds, appearing for the three men, argued that the prison sentences were too long, given their previous good character. He referred the court to cases involving an owner-driver who received a three-month prison sentence for similar offences, and a management team where longer sentences were passed because a profit motive was involved.
Rejecting those arguments, Lord Justice Pill said that when the company's tachograph records were checked following the accident, which had nothing to do with the offences before the court, there was substantial mileage that had been unrecorded. He pointed out that the three men had had a financial motive in that they received substantial additional wages.
"These are offences involving the safety of the public and those who commit them are to be aware of the consequences," said Pill. "The sentences are not manifestly excessive and the appeals are dismissed."