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Samizdata, derived from Samizdat /n. - a system of clandestine publication of banned literature in the USSR [Russ.,= self-publishing house]

Fighting talk

It appears that not everyone in Britain cravenly rolls over when confronted by authority.

After being fined for a very trivial motoring ‘offence’, Leon Humphreys reponse was, ‘fight me for it’:

“A court has rejected a 60-year-old man’s attempt to invoke the ancient right to trial by combat, rather than pay a £25 fine for a minor motoring offence.”

Not surprisingly, his invitation was declined and the fine increased. Still, you’ve got to award the guy some brownie points for his sheer cojones.

3 comments to Fighting talk

  • decimon

    “Humphreys, an unemployed mechanic, was taken to court after refusing to pay the original £25 fixed penalty for failing to notify the DVLA that his Suzuki motorcycle was off the road.”

    Off the road? What the hell does that mean?

  • David Carr

    decimon,

    Any vehicle used on a public road must have an appropriate tax disc. If the vehicle is not roadworthy and cannot be driven on public highways then it does not require a licence but, in that case, the owner is required to formally notify the DVLA (Licensing authority) of the ‘off-road’ status.

  • decimon

    Any motor vehicle is therefore an entity of birth, death and lifelong status. Maybe Humphreys should seek disability payments for Suzi.