Conviction based on headcam evidence

[benborp]

In July I was involved in an incident on my way home. Today I was in court as a witness. The result is the driver being found guilty of careless driving, pleading guilty to public order offences but being found not guilty of assault. The latter is due to the court finding that there was no direct evidence that he struck me.
There would have been no chance of a prosecution without the video evidence. I'm pleased that the police and the CPS took the driving offences seriously as they posed greater risk to me than the assault, although it was the punch that made the incident worth reporting.

Video link and news on sentencing to follow.

The video contains swearing.

 

[Vikeonabike]

In July I was involved in an incident on my way home. Today I was in court as a witness. The result is the driver being found guilty of careless driving, pleading guilty to public order offences but being found not guilty of assault. The latter is due to the court finding that there was no direct evidence that he struck me.
There would have been no chance of a prosecution without the video evidence. I'm pleased that the police and the CPS took the driving offences seriously as they posed greater risk to me than the assault, although it was the punch that made the incident worth reporting.

Video link and news on sentencing to follow.

Good result Bb!

 

[gaz]

I remember this. Fantastic news. I think that makes you the second person that has had a conviction determined by helmet camera footage.

I think the assault played a big factor with the CPS taking your case that far, a real shame that didn't go to the guilty verdict.

 

[CopperBrompton]

Excellent news - I look forward to seeing the video

 

[400bhp]

Yep - may make me get a camera.

 

[maurice]

Excellent, well done

 

[benborp]

I've updated the first post with a link to the video. I've got to thank Vikeonabike for his help with the statement template as it has made every step much easier for me.

As to sentencing, I had to leave court before any decision could be made. It looked like being quite a lengthy matter as there was confusion over aliases, conflicting birth dates and then verifying previous motoring convictions and whether they were spent. Hopefully I'll find out in a day or two.

The clinching matter for the panel appeared to be the fact that he had 'overtaken' on a pedestrian crossing. Again something that wouldn't have been possible to prove without the video. It was uncomfortable seeing the driver questioned with the video playing repeatedly constantly contradicting his statements as he spoke.

 

[nilling]

Result! What a vile man pity they could not charge him for assault.

 

[eddiemee]

Good result, looked like a very scary incident. Stupid reckless driving and downright thuggish behaviour. I'm amazed at how calm you remained throughout.

 

[Bman]

Good result, looked like a very scary incident. Stupid reckless driving and downright thuggish behaviour. I'm amazed at how calm you remained throughout.

Indeed. Just watching the vid made me angry!

Lets hope he never drives again

 

[betty swollocks]

Shocking: truly shocking: what a vile excuse for a human being.
Do let us know what his sentence was.
And well done for remaining calm and for reporting this creature.

 

[slugonabike]

What a thoroughly vile man! Let's hope the sentancing reflects that.

 

[JoysOfSight]

Excellent, well done for following through with this as it can't be easy!

I find it a bit odd that he wasn't done for assault, given that you can be done for assault even *without* camera footage. The footage certainly doesn't contradict that.

Please follow up when sentencing comes in (I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll take a dim view)

 

[Chutzpah]

Also amazed that he couldn't be done for assault, especially as there's "no direct evidence" that he struck you. Maybe you should have asked him to provide a running commentary for what he was doing

And careless? I'd say that was dangerous.

However, the main thing is that you're OK, and well done on pursuing it.

 

[Jaguar]

Well done there, I hope he loses his license for a while.
I do wonder how the CPS decides who to prosecute? My crash involved a driver hitting me almost head-on, but the police report said it was " a momentary lapse of attention" and therefore not worth pursuing