Mitigating Circumstances - Letter to Magistrates
 

Here is a copy of a letter i've sent to the judge.

"Dear Sir,

Re: North Yorkshire Police Vs Myself – Exceeding 60mph speed limit on 3rd July

I write with reference to the above mention case, and in response to the Summons to court received Saturday 16th July 2005.

I wish to submit a guilty plea to the charge of exceeding the speed limit as per the evidence presented against me.

There is no excuse for my behaviour on that day, and I write today to apologise whole-heartedly for it. It was stupid, dangerous, and not something I condone. After being given points for similar offences last year, I slowed down, and took stock of my driving/riding. However one moment of madness resulted in me being placed before the Magistrate’s Court again.

I have talked about my biking hobby to my father, namely Mr David Michael Lillie. He now has custody of the keys for the bike, and all the documentation for it. We have agreed that he is to negotiate the sale of the vehicle with immediate effect. I do not intend, nor wish, to purchase or ride another motorbike until I can demonstrate to myself that I am trust worthy enough.

I accept that I need to be punished for my crime, but would urge you to take the following into account.

After being through a hard time with work, losing my job and then being unable to find alternative employment on a reasonable wage for 6 months, I have been exceptionally stressed and depressed, I have now found employment with a company called Global Procurement Group, and feel that my future here is bright, and promising, and I am finally getting my life back on track. I am hoping to achieve the role of Accounts Manager before the end of the year, for this I will require a driving license. I appreciate that the offences committed are punishable by a driving Ban, but would plead that you order a shorter ban and a higher fine/financial punishment, in order not to compromise my eligibility for this promotion.

I am aware that you have avenues from which to choose when passing sentence on my case.

1. A shorter ban for this offence, and a higher financial punishment, resulting in my license being returned, still with the 11 previous points endorsed, after the ban period has been run, but allowing me to remain eligible for promotion at Global Procurement Group.

2. Order a set of points to be endorsed on my license, which will mean that I am to lose my license under “totting up” for a period of no less than 6 months. This would result in me not being eligible for promotion at my new place of work.

I ask if you could pass sentence option number 1, and once again, I offer my most sincere apologies for the unacceptable behaviour shown on 3rd July 2005 by myself.

Please find enclosed a character reference from Mr H. Tunnifcliffe, Operations Director at Global Procurement Group, he is my direct manager and responsible for the smooth running of the company.

I trust all of the above meets with your approval, and I further trust you will make an informed decision which is in the publics and my best interests.

Yours Respectfully,"

Well done. I hope they take it seriously and that you adhere to your part of the bargain, good luck.

If you are haven't already sent the letter and are able to do so, I'd recommend removing the following text:

"I am aware that you have avenues from which to choose when passing sentence on my case.

1. A shorter ban for this offence, and a higher financial punishment, resulting in my license being returned, still with the 11 previous points endorsed, after the ban period has been run, but allowing me to remain eligible for promotion at Global Procurement Group.

2. Order a set of points to be endorsed on my license, which will mean that I am to lose my license under “totting up” for a period of no less than 6 months. This would result in me not being eligible for promotion at my new place of work.

I ask if you could pass sentence option number 1, and once again, I offer my most sincere apologies for the unacceptable behaviour shown on 3rd July 2005 by myself. "

It kinda sounds like you're trying to manouvre the outcome for your own advantage rather than being genuinely remorseful for the event of that fateful day. Also, the Judge might not take too kindly about your suggesting how s/he should do his/her job.

Just my view.

Hmm... i see where you're coming from Jabba.

Any one else feel the same?

I see Jabba's point, and am leaning in the direction of agreement (breaking the habbit of a lifetime).

:stupid:

Personally I'd actually go to court and try and win them over a little.


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Much as it pains me to admit it :P Jabba makes a good point.

Oh im going to court as well... i just wanted to send a letter for the case file before i am due.

Oh fair enough, good luck then ;).


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