Nick Robinson’s client acquitted of Causing Death By Careless Driving

28th October 2020

3PB’s criminal defence specialist Nick RobinsonNick RobinsonCall: 2006 successfully defended Mr Ian Catley who was charged with an offence of causing death by careless driving.

Following a Crown Court trial lasting six days the jury took just 90 minutes to find Mr Catley not guilty of causing the death of a pedestrian whilst allegedly driving his car without due care and attention.

This complex and sensitive trial included the expert evidence of two pathologists and two road traffic collision investigators.

It was not in dispute that the defendant had driven over the pedestrian when she was lying prone in the carriageway. The Crown’s case was that the defendant caused the victim’s fatal injuries and that by driving over her rather than taking evasive action to avoid her his driving was careless.

Mr Catley’s defence was that another vehicle might have caused the fatal injuries by driving over the victim before he did. Further, that he was driving prudently and, confronted with a sudden emergency, made a wrong decision in the agony of the moment. The collision and death were explicable with reference not to his driving but to external factors including the road conditions, lighting and weather.

Nick was instructed by Mr Dwayne Lewis of Renshaw Derrick Solicitors. Nick’s client commended him after the conclusion of the trial: “I wish to thank my Counsel for his focus and attention to detail - I can’t express how grateful I am”.

The trial attracted National press attention from The Sun, Daily Mail, Metro, and Bournemouth Echo.

If you wish to instruct Nick Robinson on a criminal matter, please contact his clerk Stuart Pringle on [email protected].