IO540
They show almost no NG verdicts, yet the stories from aviation lawyers suggest that many cases are lost, or withdrawn on the steps of the Court.
Are they really so slick, with NG plea defendants, in bringing to Court only those where a convinction is virtually certain?
Most of those prosecuted by the CAA plead Guilty, which may or may not be because ...
Most of them do not obtain advice from specialist aviation lawyers.
Of those who plead Not Guilty
and are represented by a specialist aviation lawyer, most are found Not Guilty.
(Edit)
englishal
Aircraft flying in the vicinity of an aerodrome & going round the circuit the wrong way.
This one has me puzzled.
Court: Newport IOW Magistrates Court
Result: Not Guilty
Costs: Awarded from central funds (ie Pilot's costs)
I wonder (see Note below) if this relates to a case of mine. If it does, it was an allegation of low flying in a Hunter. (Alleged breach of Rule 5)
Firstly how would this ever come to court? I assume because the CAA didn't foresee that their witnesses' allegations would be demolished in cross-examination.
Secondly it seems a very odd case to bring to court. I agree.
It was my last aviation case as a barrister - and a very satisfying way to end that stage of my career!
Note:
My case was in July 2007. I suppose it's possible another pilot faced the same allegation in the same court with exactly the same result in the period April 2008 - March 2009.
FL