Why was a pensioner with dementia convicted for an uninsured car?

A 77-year-old pensioner with severe dementia was convicted for keeping a car uninsured because he failed to pay a fine issued by the DVLA, despite no longer being able to drive or manage his affairs.

What is the Single Justice Procedure mentioned in the article?

The Single Justice Procedure is a fast-track court process where magistrates sit privately to rapidly deal with low-level criminal cases, as seen in the prosecution of the pensioner.

What did the DVLA say about cases with mitigating circumstances?

The DVLA urged anyone receiving a letter about enforcement action to get in touch if there are mitigating circumstances they need to know about, stating they prosecute when out-of-court settlements fail.

Home / Crime and Justice / Dementia Patient Convicted for Uninsured Car He Can't Drive

Dementia Patient Convicted for Uninsured Car He Can't Drive

23 Jan

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Summary

A 77-year-old with severe dementia was convicted for an uninsured vehicle.
He is unable to manage his affairs due to his condition.
The conviction resulted from an unpaid fine for keeping a vehicle uninsured.

Dementia Patient Convicted for Uninsured Car He Can't Drive

A 77-year-old man from Middleton, Greater Manchester, diagnosed with severe dementia, has been convicted for keeping a vehicle that did not meet insurance requirements. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) prosecuted him after he failed to pay a fine issued last August. His condition means he is confused much of the time and unable to manage his own affairs.

The pensioner stopped using his car in December 2024, following his dementia diagnosis. However, he mistakenly told a doctor he was still driving, leading to the DVLA issuing a fine. The case escalated to a criminal prosecution when the penalty remained unpaid. His brother intervened after learning of the prosecution, explaining the man's severe memory loss and confusion.

The case was heard at Derby Magistrates' Court under the Single Justice Procedure. Accepting a guilty plea entered on his behalf, the magistrate imposed a six-month conditional discharge, avoiding a fine. The DVLA stated that they prosecute when attempts to resolve matters out of court are unsuccessful and urged individuals with mitigating circumstances to contact them.