The innocent
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Three lessons that the old soldier always teaches are: never volunteer, never plead guilty, and never ever volunteer to plead guilty, especially if you're sure you're innocent. A haulage contractor in the Midlands learned the third lesson in a novel way when he was charged recently with overloading.
On the professional advice of his lawyer he was ready to enter a plea of guilty to using a vehicle which was overloaded, though the truck had been hired and loaded by the customer.
Feeling a little aggrieved about it all, he spoke to CM's lain Sherriff at the R HA conference at Plymouth. CM's man, not being renowned for his submissive nature, advocated a plea of not guilty. The haulier seemed convinced but presumably his legal eagle was not, since at the hearing a guilty plea was entered.
Imagine his surprise when the chairman of the magistrates refused to accept the plea — he wanted to hear the case. And when he'd heard the facts he gave the operator an unconditional discharge. The latter was a lucky man: now perhaps he'll believe the old soldier (sorry, Marine).
Three cheers for British justice (and CM!).