FRENCH CONNECTION
Page 27
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QLast week one of my drivers was stopped by the police in London and, because he was French, was kept in a cell overnight awaiting the Magistrates Court the following day. His offence was exceeding daily driving hours.
After he had been in court the clerk to the court would only allow his release after we had arranged, through our agents, to take a cheque for the fine to the court by taxi. At first they had insisted that cash be delivered to the court.
They also refused to release the driver when our agents said that the fine could be paid into the police at Fareham (as often happens) and also when we offered to make a direct bank credit from our company to the court account. We were told that if the money was not received at the court by 4pm, the driver would be taken to Pentonville prison.
Is this really British justice?
ND, London AHaving thoroughly acquainted myself with the facts of this case I can say that a report on the attitude and manner of dealing with this driver by this court, and in particular the clerk, is going firstly to the Home Office and secondly to the Magistrates Association. The treatment of this driver was despicable.