Christopher Bealey successfully argues special reasons in no insurance driving case.

Christopher represented a privately paying client who was charged with driving without insurance. The client entered a Guilty plea and raised special reasons, stating that they had believed that they were covered by their insurance policy.

Special reasons arguments afford a defendant the opportunity to explain to the court the circumstances behind the offence. Although not a defence, if special reasons are found, the court cannot issue penalty points or disqualify the driver. It is for the Defence to prove that special reasons exist on the balance of probabilities.

Christopher called his client to give evidence and adduced important documents in support of his client’s case. The District Judge found that there were special reasons and did not issue penalty points or disqualify the client from driving. In addition, the District Judge ordered an absolute discharge meaning that the client did not have to pay any fine or court costs.

Christopher was instructed by Rohit Sharma at Kingsley Wood.