Last week we saw numerous articles appearing in London and national press about this case.
In summary, Lady Manners’, pleaded guilty online to a speeding allegation (47 in a 40mph zone) and when asked for details of her income claimed to be in difficulty paying a speeding fine due to “cash flow” issues.
She received a £50 fine and the press went to town on this seeming to suggest there is a problem with the court’s decision.
In fact, we were asked to comment on the story and to explain whether there was any problem with the court system for failing to impose a higher fine. Upon scrutinising the case, however, the fine imposed in this case was not unusual and has not been reduced as a result of Lady Manners’ plea of hardship.
It is simply a non-story but has been made a story most likely because Lady Manners’ is:
a) An easy target coming from an aristocratic background with lots of glamorous photos online available for the press to publish; and
b) she lives in a very plush flat in London and obviously comes from a wealthy family.
What should the fine be?
The fine has been calculated strictly in accordance with the Sentencing Guidelines for the offence of speeding.
The maximum fine that could have been imposed was £2500 but the fine is calculated by reference to the offender’s reported weekly income and for the speed of 47mph in a 40mph zone, this would normally attract a fine that equates to 50% of the offender’s net weekly income if the matter is not dealt with by way of a fixed penalty.
Lady Manners indicated her fortnightly income was £300 so her weekly income is £150 and when pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity, the court applies an automatic 1⁄3rd reduction bring the fine in this case down from 50% of £150 = £75 less 1⁄3rd to £50.
No special dispensation has been applied by the court on that basis.
| How the fine was calculated | |
|---|---|
| Fornightly income | £300 |
| Weekly income | £150 |
| Fine | 0.5 x £150 = £75 |
| Less | 1⁄3rd reduction = £25 |
| Total fine | £50 |
Punish me, not my family!
Also, although Lady Manners may well come from a wealthy family, it is not her family’s income that the court must take into account but her own individual income.
What if Lady Manners was telling porkies?
If Lady Manners has not been truthful about her income, this is a different matter and could amount to a separate offence punishable by way of a fine. In our experience, it is, however, rare for the court to delve behind the income information provided by an offender online.
How can I tell what punishment I face for speeding?
The sentencing guidelines for speeding are outlined here.
If you’re unsure of what speeding fine you face, why not try out our speeding calculator?
Call Us Now Free on 0800 1389 123
Call Geoffrey Miller Solicitors 24 hours 7 days a week
Geoffrey Miller Solicitors are specialists defending drivers nationwide for all types of driving offences. Call our team of expert driving offence solicitors for some free initial advice.
You can also book an appointment with Jeanette Miller a.k.a. Miss Justice using our online booking system. If Jeanette is unavailable for your preferred date and time you can book an appointment with a member of our legal team. Please have as much information about your enquiry before the call e.g. Date of Hearing, Paperwork etc.
Add comment