A trial for alleged careless driving is cancelled at Stratford Magistrates’ Court after the only witness, a police officer, fails to attend court, whilst a man with dodgy brakes avoids disqualification after pleading exceptional hardship.
Technically I saw three cases during my afternoon at Stratford Magistrates’ Court before District Judge (MC) Matthew Bone – saw being the key word – the sound system appeared to be entirely defective in the public gallery inside court room 1.
I’m grateful to the judge who approved my request, made via court staff, to sit in the actual court room. It’s important for journalists to be able to hear cases, not just see them.
It’s also important for general observers to hear what’s going on to. I’m not convinced, what I assume was a family member of a defendant, could hear a single word.
The Judge’s premonition of “a relatively light list for this afternoon” came to be entirely correct.
First up was Mr Tahsin Karim, 25, of Ilford.
Mr Karim had already pleaded guilty to the offence of driving without insurance and was due to stand trial for the disputed offence of careless driving.
The prosecutor told the court that as the police officer was not present the Crown will not will not give any evidence in the matter.
On the charge of driving without insurance the court was told Mr Karim was driving along the A12 on 19th September 2024. His “manner of driving” was said to have given the police grounds to pull him over.
Following enquiries the police found the vehicle had no insurance. Despite Mr Karim handing over details of a temporary policy further checks revealed that the insurance had actually been taken out during the traffic stop.
In mitigation Mr Karim said he accepted full responsibility for driving. “I genuinely believed I was covered that night because I was extremely busy with work that day.“
Mr Karim told the court that he had asked a friend to insure the car but that the policy started later than he thought. “Since then I have handled my own policy without relying on anyone else“.
Explaining his means to the court he described himself as a “paid social executive” in the field of digital marketing.
In handing down sentence DJ Bone fined the defendant £230, plus a victim surcharge of £92, plus costs of £85. All payable at a rate of some £100/month.
Having endorsed his licence with 6 points Mr Karim asked if there was “any leeway” on that. “No, I am imposing the minimum” the judge replied. “Ok, I appreciate that“.
The second and final case of the day was Mr Muhammad Asif, of Cranleigh Gardens, Barking who had already pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with defective brakes.
Having already acquired 11 penalty points on his licence, and facing a mandatory 3 points for this offence, Mr Asif stood to be disqualified as a driver unless he could prove exceptional hardship.
Handing over a stack of papers from the witness box Mr Asif told the court he was responsible for taking close family members to various medical appointments.
Whilst he relied on family friends to drop his son off at school, having started his delivery driving job at 4am, he had to pick him up.
Mr Asif also said he would certainly lose his job if he was disqualified. His only alternative would be to go to the job centre and ask for more benefits – something he didn’t want to do citing the new immigration status of his family members.
Having considered the submissions made DJ Bone explained that it was incumbent on Mr Asif to prove to the civil standard that very exceptional circumstances exist.
The courts decision was “not really about you but the impact it will have on your extended family…I am satisfied there will be exceptional hardship“.
“I am not disqualifying you“
“You now have 14 points on your license…I should have disqualified you for 6 months but I’m not going to. Next time you won’t be so lucky…I have to fine you, I don’t have to but I will“
Mr Asif was ordered to pay £299, also at a rate of £100/month.
Stratford Magistrates’ Court
Courtroom 1
4th August 2025
Before District Judge (MC) Bone
Mouse in the Court 