Hi All
My husband received a Fixed Penalty Notice for driving 35mph in a 30mph.
Paid the fixed PCN and thought nothing more of it.
Was a genuine error in not sending off photocard driving licence (husband was looking for temporary Xmas work at the time and only had driving licence as proof of photo ID as does not have valid passport. Tried to use old passport in a couple of applications, but was was rejected as being out of date). Should have sent back by 31/12 and court paperwork was issued yesterday 3/1/23.
At the moment, my husband has steam coming out of his ears as was a genuine error - he fully accepts the offence of speeding, as evidenced by payment of the fine.
He is pleading guilty, but wants to go to court, because he think it's petty he's being prosecuted for not returning 'a bit of plastic' rather than plead guilty by post/online.
We've filled out mitigation, saying it was a genuine error, fully accepts he was speeding, paid the PCN at the time, and not a deliberate attempt to prevent endorsement of licence. Only realised the error when received the court paperwork. I was going to include in the mitigating statement the bit about him applying for jobs, but my husband doesn't think that will make any difference.
He's completed the statement of financial circumstances - he doesn't work (I am the main earner) and not on any benefits as taking a break from work. Question - on the form there is a section to include partner's income - we have not entered my income. Will it cause problems later down the line if we don't disclose that information at the outset?
I'm trying to persuade him pleading guilty by post - my fear is that he could end up making matters worse by going to court.
Interested in people's thoughts - can they decide not take it to court once they've read the mitigation, even though my husband as requested he attend?
Thanks for reading!