…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Driver Attempts to Evade Conviction Using Medieval Rights and Customs
A driver named George Edward Thomas recently tried to avoid a conviction by asserting “medieval rights and customs” and claiming that he was owed millions of pounds.
However, his attempt proved unsuccessful, and he was instead faced with six points on his driving licence, along with a £660 fine, £90 costs, and a £264 victim surcharge.
Thomas was convicted for failing to provide information about the identity of the driver in relation to a speeding offense.
The incident occurred on December 30 of the previous year when the vehicle was caught driving at 58mph in a roadworks area with a speed limit of 50mph.
Unorthodox Defense Tactics
Rather than complying with the requirement to confirm the driver’s identity after receiving a Notice of Intended Prosecution, Thomas decided to send numerous documents invoking medieval laws and customs, as well as making demands for millions of pounds.
His intention was to avoid fulfilling his legal obligations.
Warwickshire Police reported that his unorthodox defense strategy did not exempt him from prosecution.
Inspector Dave Valente commented on the case, emphasizing that all drivers on UK roads are subject to the statutory requirements of the Road Traffic Act.
This includes adhering to driving licenses, ensuring vehicles are MOT tested, insured, and taxed, as well as complying with speed limits and facing the consequences for failing to do so.
Drivers who attempt to evade prosecution through extensive demands based on ancient medieval customs will not succeed.
Promoting Road Safety and Compliance
Inspector Valente further explained that the primary goal is to enhance road safety for everyone, which entails ensuring drivers comply with speed limits.
The preferred approach is to educate and change driver behavior, with eligible individuals attending speed awareness courses.
These courses can be taken every three years if the speed violation falls within a specific threshold.
However, in this particular case, the driver left the authorities with no choice but to escalate the matter to court.
It is regrettable that the driver now has to bear the burden of paying over £1,000 in court costs and receiving six points on their license, instead of opting for a speed awareness course outcome.
Insp Valente also noted that this is not an isolated incident, as an increasing number of individuals have been citing similar material in an effort to avoid the consequences of speeding offenses.
He emphasized that attempting to evade prosecution by employing such tactics could result in much higher costs than simply complying with the requirements outlined in the Road Traffic Act.