Heathcote goes for help
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• A hearing into alleged hours and tachograph offences by Stalybridge company J & M Heathcote has been adjourned while the company, managing director Michael Heathcote and former transport manager Brian Howard arrange separate legal representation.
AU three defendants are accused of 70 offences of aiding and abetting drivers to make false entries in charts. In addition the company and Howard are accused of 87 offences of permitting excessive hours and Michael Heathcote of 92 similar offences.
For all three defendants John McClure told Dukinfield Magistrates that it had become clear there was a conflict of interests between the company, Heathcote Howard, and that Howard ought to be separately represented. As Howard was unemployed McClure asked that he he granted legal aid.
The Magistrates adjourned the hearing until July, when two days have been set aside for its completion. They granted Howard legal aid, advising him to see a solicitor as soon as possible.
At earlier hearings 26 drivers, the Associated Tameside Skip Hire and Bellrose were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling over