Helen Kelsall and Fi Porter successfully represented Mr G who was at risk of an immediate custodial sentence of up to 5 years. Mr G had been charged with two counts of Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving; and one count of Drink Driving. The offences took place while he had been driving his car the morning after a night out with his friends when he collided with another vehicle seriously injuring two people.

At the First Appearance Hearing, Mr G entered an early ‘guilty’ plea to the offences which allowed him to obtain the maximum credit available. His matter therefore proceeded to a Sentencing Hearing 4 weeks later.

Ahead of the Sentencing Hearing, Helen and Fi worked with Mr G to prepare extensive mitigation and supporting documentation. The aim was to provide the Court with a clear picture of the background to the offences, as well as the significant personal and professional impact a custodial sentence would have on Mr G and his family.

Working alongside Counsel, the Court were told of Mr G’s genuine remorse, his efforts to engage in rehabilitation and his mother’s vulnerabilities. Following various submissions to the Court, the Judge acknowledged Mr G’s mitigating circumstances and imposed a suspended sentence with community rehabilitative work.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the client and his mother were ecstatic to have avoided an immediate custodial sentence.