Edward’s client was charged on indictment with one count of fraudulent use of a registration mark, contrary to section 44(1) and (3) of the Vehicle Excise Registration Act 1994, an offence which carries a maximum term of imprisonment not exceeding two years.
The police attended a car park in Hounslow after a 999 call was made by a member of the public who alleged that the Defendant and two other individuals were selling stolen goods from a car. It was later discovered by police that the Defendant’s vehicle had a false registration plate. Whilst the Defendant accepted he purchased the vehicle; knowledge of the false plate was denied and that the Defendant drove the vehicle.
Edward drafted a detailed and thorough skeleton argument which submitted that, in accordance with the case of R v Johnson (Tony) [1995] R.T.R. 15, the evidence against the defendant failed to prove the elements of section 44(1) of the Act, namely that the vehicle was being or had been used on a public road while displaying the offending registration mark. Consequently, the evidence against the defendant would not be sufficient for him to be properly convicted.
In light of Edward’s submissions, the Crown did not oppose the application and formerly offered no evidence, thereby discontinuing the prosecution against Edward’s client.
Edward appeared before Mr. Recorder Jones sitting at Isleworth Crown Court, and was instructed by Priya Pandya at Hodge Jones & Allen.
