Thread: One rule for them and another rule for us.

Stoke manager Pulis escapes driving ban
Despite being caught speeding on the M42, the Potters' boss has negotiated his way out of a ban which, he argued, would have had dramatic effects on Stoke's Premier League status.

Pulis previously had 12 points on his license and any further offence would have seen his license revoked immediately.

In a bizarre turn of events though, Pulis' solicitor, Mike Stephenson successfully argued that any removal of Pulis' driving license would have threatened Stoke's Premier League status.

Such a punishment, it was argued, would adversely affect thousands of people and many businesses, with as much as £60million having been invested in the football club by people around the area.

Stephenson told Leamington Spa Magistrates Court: "They would suffer if they were relegated as a result - and the children who he would not be able to assist and the people of Stoke could suffer if Mr Pulis lost his licence."

Pulis claimed that he could not use a chauffeur in case he leaked any secrets regarding transfers or tactics. The Welshman was fined £2,500 but permitted to continue driving, despite now having 15 points on his license.

ALL TOGETHER ?

It's the same the whole world over,
It's the poor that get the blame,
It's the rich that get the pleasure,
Ain't it all a bloody shame.

Another millionaire's 'exceptional hardship' claim almost brings a tear to ones eye

At least Withnall wont be slashing his wrists

Can the Crown appeal? Because they fucking well should do.

Even if the general argument is right (which it's not) this bit

Pulis claimed that he could not use a chauffeur in case he leaked any secrets regarding transfers or tactics.

seems pretty crucial to the whole thing....and it's absurd. I think slightly weightier issues that Stoke's transfer policy get discussed in chauffeur-driven cars without their being broadcast round the world.

Should be banned.
He's lucky the magistrate wasn't a Vale fan.

I was banned and lost my job as a result. Why should he be treated above the law?

Similar thing happened with OFM when he played for Newcastle. Caught doing 106mph (meant to be an automatic ban), but was only given 6 points (he earned more points in court than on the pitch).

I had my license returned with 15 points. I assume they gave it back as 6 were due to come off two month after.

Originally Posted by VocalNeal

ALL TOGETHER ?

It's the same the whole world over,
It's the poor that get the blame,
It's the rich that get the pleasure,
Ain't it all a bloody shame.

It is what it is. Understand it.

Or...one could really please themselves by not participating in their game.
Live your protest. Though, that might be slightly difficult for the majority of zombie populations.

.....

Sir Alex cleared after motorway dash
Football Unlimited

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Vivek Chaudhary Sports Correspondent
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 5 October 1999 01.55 BST
Article history
Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager of Manchester United, was yesterday found not guilty of illegally driving on a motorway hard shoulder after magistrates heard he had been suffering from severe diarrhoea and was trying to get to a toilet.
Sir Alex was stopped by police on the M602, in Eccles, Greater Manchester, last February at the height of Manchester United's campaign which saw them win the treble of Premiership, FA Cup and European Cup.

Sir Alex, 57, told Bury magistrates that he had been experiencing stomach cramps the night before being stopped by police and was continually visiting the toilet.

One the day of the incident he went to see Mike Stone, the Manchester United club doctor who gave him some Imodium tablets before he left Old Trafford.

Sir Alex said: `Around lunchtime I was feeling much better. I thought the Imodium had worked and there was not a problem after that.'

However, Sir Alex said that his stomach problems returned as he drove home. He told magistrates: `When I got on the M602 I started to feel the cramps again. When I got into the snarl-up of traffic I took another tablet. I stayed there for about four or five minutes. I then decided to get back to Old Trafford.'

Nicholas Freeman, defending, said: `Putting it bluntly, did you need to go to the toilet?'

Sir Alex replied: `That was very much the case. I had to go somewhere quickly.'

The court heard that to avoid queuing along the M602 and in an attempt to get onto the M62 to return to Old Trafford to use the toilet, Sir Alex travelled on the hard shoulder.

Sir Alex was cautioned by police but did not say anything about his desperate desire to get to a toilet at the time because of the embarrassment and publicity it might cause.

The court was not told whether or not Sir Alex was allowed to continue after his caution.

Mr Freeman told the court that his client had two options while stuck in the traffic jam. `One is the unthinkable and one is to take evasive action,' he said.

Mr Freeman added that Sir Alex could have pleaded guilty to avoid any publicity. `It's not easy for someone in his position to come into court and, with respect, explain his toilet difficulties on that day.'

Agreeing with the defence, chairman of the bench Leslie Berkeley said that Sir Alex was indeed caught in an emergency situation and was not guilty of any offence.

there is one lawyer and he is well known in celebrity circles
his clients don't walk
they usually drive home.

Office for Judicial Complaints - Complaints about a magistrate or tribunal member

Originally Posted by withnallstoke

I was banned and lost my job as a result.

You were driving the 5:15 Euston to Birmingham Central at 120mph though to be truthful.