Not Guilty Drink Driving - Willesden Magistrate's Court 2023

Our client was charged with drunk driving, failing to stop after an accident, having no insurance, and common assault. He denied the allegation and we advised him to plead not guilty. He had met his girlfriend at night time in a park. He was surrounded by a group of males and he was about to be attacked. He was accused of driving into the complainant's car while parking. He was not aware of any accident and need to exchange details. He used self-defence to prevent an imminent attack. He drove his girlfriend's car away from the location while uninsured to prevent any assault on them due to the necessity to do so which is a legal defence. When he arrived home he consumed some alcohol. The police arrived and he was prosecuted for various offences. He was told to make a no-comment interview by a duty solicitor. We identified his defence of self-defence, lack of knowledge in relation to the accident and the necessity to stop and exchange details. We also put forward his defence of Post incident alcohol consumption. The prosecution was unable to secure the witness's attendance and sought an adjournment which we opposed. The court refused the adjournment and the case was dismissed.