News & Legal Advice
Immediate Custody Avoided Following Road Collision
Published - Jun 03, 2026
Foster & Coleman recently represented a client before the Crown Court in relation to offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst over the prescribed limit for cannabis.
The prosecution case alleged that our client had driven on the incorrect side of an A-road for approximately one mile before colliding head-on with a vehicle travelling lawfully in the opposite direction. The collision resulted in extensive damage to both vehicles and significant injuries to the other motorist.
Our client entered guilty pleas at the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing. Following those pleas, the matter was adjourned for sentence, during which time we worked closely with our client to prepare a comprehensive package of mitigation for the Court's consideration.
At the sentencing hearing, the prosecution sought to place the offending within a higher sentencing category than had previously been accepted. Following submissions by defence counsel, the Court was persuaded not to adopt that approach. The Judge nevertheless indicated that the case was one in which immediate custody was being seriously considered.
Detailed mitigation was then advanced on our client's behalf, including submissions regarding the circumstances of the offending, the client's personal mitigation, and the numerous character references placed before the Court.
Having retired to consider all matters raised, the Judge returned to impose a suspended sentence order, together with a requirement to perform unpaid work and an order for compensation to be paid to the injured motorist.
This outcome highlights the importance of thorough preparation and carefully presented mitigation at the sentencing stage.
We are particularly grateful to counsel, Harriet Palfreman of 5KBW, whose skilled advocacy and detailed submissions were instrumental in presenting our client's case before the Court.
https://www.5kbw.co.uk/barrister/harriet-palfreman/
Posted in Criminal Defence, Driving Offences on Jun 03, 2026