Elderly man prosecuted for forgotten £35 car tax

An 82-year-old man has been prosecuted for failing to pay a £35 car tax, which he forgot about while grieving his wife's death. The man lives in sheltered housing and was charged after officials noticed he had not paid the tax on his Ford B-Max in September 2024. The pensioner explained in a letter to the court that he was "preoccupied" due to the loss of his wife. He stated that he paid the tax as soon as he realized he had forgotten. His previous car insurance expired on July 21, shortly before his wife passed away. After he received a notice on September 7, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) initiated a criminal prosecution when there was no response. Under the Single Justice Procedure (SJP), the DVLA did not consider any evidence from the man, and he was not required to attend court. The man pleaded guilty to keeping a vehicle without a valid licence and received a three-month conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay the outstanding £35, resulting in a criminal conviction. Calls are being made to review private prosecutions like this one, aiming to ensure they serve the public interest. Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC emphasized the need for fairness and accountability in the justice system, especially for minor offences.