R v Ja

This case involves serious allegations of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and dangerous driving. Our client, a taxi driver, is accused of these offences following an incident where a fare dispute led to a vehicle pursuit and a collision with a former passenger. The case is currently progressing towards trial, where the outcome will be determined.

The defendant, a taxi driver, was arrested upon his arrival at Heathrow Airport. The charges relate to an incident where passengers fled his taxi without paying their fare late at night. In an attempt to recover the payment, the defendant followed the group in his vehicle. During this pursuit, his car collided with one of the passengers.

The collision lifted the victim into the air, and he landed on his back on the pavement, unable to stand. The defendant then drove away from the scene. The victim was hospitalised and treated for numerous injuries, including a haematoma and laceration to his head, facial bruising, and reduced movement in his shoulder. Police arrested our client and charged him with wounding with intent and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The defendant faces two serious charges:

• Count 1: Unlawfully and Maliciously Wounding with Intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
• Count 2: Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving

The prosecution's case is that the defendant intentionally used his vehicle to cause serious injury to the victim following the fare dispute. The matter is currently awaiting a plea and trial preparation hearing, where the defendant's formal pleas will be entered.

Our criminal defence team is representing the defendant before the Staffordshire Magistrates Court. Our immediate strategy is to obtain and carefully analyse all available evidence. This includes any CCTV footage of the incident, witness statements from all parties, and expert medical reports detailing the victim’s injuries.

We are focused on clarifying the precise sequence of events during the pursuit and collision. A key part of our work is examining the issue of intent and ensuring our client's account of the incident is fully prepared and robustly presented to the court.