Cyclist brings first private prosecution for dangerous driving

[benborp]

...

This is the sort of thing the CDF should be involved with, but if Mr Porter is willing to fund this on his own, then all power to him (and the CDF can save their cash for another day).

road.cc says that the prosecution is being brought with the support of the CDF.

 

[fossyant]

That's disappointing. I was at the Cycle Forum last night and three GMP members specifically from the Traffic division were present to discuss Operation Considerate. They all seemed genuinely concerned for road safety; probably as they are the ones who get involved in cases where people have died and have to deal with grieving family members. I wonder if this is a case of the average police officer not caring much whereas the traffic-specific ones might? I know there are not many specific traffic officers given the size of GM, which probably doesn't help. I know you have the solicitors on the case so no point inquiring personally but if that need ever did arise I'll see if I can fish out the names of the officers who attended for you so you can inquire via them.

The officer that attended was 11249 Doughty and attended hospital. Nothing was done for over 6 weeks as they recorded me as minor injuries and home same day (not severe injuries and over 6 weeks in hospital).

The officer who picked up the case was Officer Pennington, and his attitude was shocking, and according to my solicitors they broke just about every rule they have ! I have no time for GMP - Operation Considerate, my bottom, Operation Cyclists are gutter trash more like.

We have one station now in Cheadle which covers the whole of South Manchester, and they literally have a couple of traffic cars. They don't have the officers on the ground so can' be bothered. You see it time and time again on here - motorists are free to run cyclists down.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

Isn't 'GMP Traffic' a different division though? I think they might be unrelated to the local police on the ground.

 

[machew]

Porter is paying someone else to prosecute it.

Probably wise, there is an old saying among lawyers 'a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client', meaning as a lawyer you are too close to case in which you are personally involved to do a good job of it.

Also, Porter's expertise may not be in criminal law and he may not have prosecuted many or any dangerous driving cases.

Far better to get someone experienced in those cases to do it.

His field is the personal injury. And he holds a British Cycling Category 3 racing licence.

 

[glenn forger]

The driver thinks there's nothing wrong with it. The jurors will think there's nothing wrong with it cos I doubt they're regular cyclists.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Kayardi acquitted. Martin Porter will issue a statement later.


GC

 

[Spinney]

Bugger.

 

[hatler]

Balls.

 

[Scoosh]

 

[fossyant]

No surprise in that outcome.

 

[Shadow]

Disappointing outcome.
Is he likely to appeal? If not, I'd like to line the jury up on bikes and have a car pass them at arms length at 50mph.

 

[Banjo]

Bo££ocks.

 

[Glow worm]

Entirely predictable and utterly pathetic.

 

[Milkfloat]

What a shame - has his vedeo been published so we know what is 'acceptable?'

 

[Nibor]

That could open the flood gates if he wins. I hope the driver gets costs against him because this would not have been a cheap prosecution to undertake.

Significantly cheaper if you are the actual Barrister