Appeal upheld ... maybe!
Today was the day. Got me best suit on and walked into the West Port clutching copies of the evidence for my appeal. I sent in the originals weeks ago and the actual hearing had been delayed on a couple of occasions. Once by me and once by "them".
Shown up to a pretty sparsely furnished office by a PA and there's a guy sitting in a pin stripe suit that just shouted "LAWYER". He introduced himself and we shook hands. All very amicable and casual.
"Rumpole" then explained his part in the proceedings and invited me to put my case, which I did.
His nibs listened politely to my bulsh ... sorry ... submission, making notes which amounted to a 1/2 page of A4. He then pushed back from the desk and lifted his own copy of the case file which included my own stuff and the Council's stuff. Coloured markers were all through it and I could see that sections had been highlighted. He had obviously done his homework and proceeded to tell me so.
In very measured and polite terms, he stated that my case did not amount to a gnat's bite of bugger all.
but after a pause ....
proceeded to demolish the Council's case!
He said that the Council's case appeared to be fundamentally in error in the the parking regulations did not apply in cases of double parking!
I won't go into the details but it appears that I may have stumbled upon a major loophole in the parking regulations here which is why his final words were ...
"I will deliver a judgement in writing but my preliminary finding is in your favour. However, I know the Council will be concerned at this and you should be prepared for a further appeal from them and a demand for a review of my judgement."
Whaddya know? I'm a cause celebre!!!! I only wish I could take the credit rather than Mr "Rumpole". Top bloke!
Today was the day. Got me best suit on and walked into the West Port clutching copies of the evidence for my appeal. I sent in the originals weeks ago and the actual hearing had been delayed on a couple of occasions. Once by me and once by "them".
Shown up to a pretty sparsely furnished office by a PA and there's a guy sitting in a pin stripe suit that just shouted "LAWYER". He introduced himself and we shook hands. All very amicable and casual.
"Rumpole" then explained his part in the proceedings and invited me to put my case, which I did.
His nibs listened politely to my bulsh ... sorry ... submission, making notes which amounted to a 1/2 page of A4. He then pushed back from the desk and lifted his own copy of the case file which included my own stuff and the Council's stuff. Coloured markers were all through it and I could see that sections had been highlighted. He had obviously done his homework and proceeded to tell me so.
In very measured and polite terms, he stated that my case did not amount to a gnat's bite of bugger all.
but after a pause ....proceeded to demolish the Council's case!
He said that the Council's case appeared to be fundamentally in error in the the parking regulations did not apply in cases of double parking!
I won't go into the details but it appears that I may have stumbled upon a major loophole in the parking regulations here which is why his final words were ...
"I will deliver a judgement in writing but my preliminary finding is in your favour. However, I know the Council will be concerned at this and you should be prepared for a further appeal from them and a demand for a review of my judgement."
Whaddya know? I'm a cause celebre!!!! I only wish I could take the credit rather than Mr "Rumpole". Top bloke!
