Samantha Laws successfully appeals custodial sentence.

Samantha was instructed to appeal a sentence for a client charged with dangerous driving and failure to stop in what police officers described as the “most outrageous and dangerous” driving seen in their careers.

The Defendant had overtaken an unmarked police car whilst driving significantly in excess of the speed limit and then engaged in a lengthy police pursuit, reaching speeds over 130mph. Police were forced to abandon the pursuit on the basis it was too dangerous to continue.

The Defendant was sentenced to 8 months immediate custody.

Samantha put forward full mitigation on behalf of the Defendant and argued that any sentence of imprisonment could properly be suspended in his circumstances.

The court agreed with Samantha’s submissions and quashed the original sentence, substituting a sentence of 8 months custody suspended for 18 months.  

 Samantha was instructed by Christopher Hogg of Sills & Betteridge Solicitors.