Daniella Adeluwoye secures a suspended sentence at Kingston Crown Court

Daniella Adeluwoye secured a suspended sentence for a defendant charged with dangerous driving, possession of a Class B drug and driving without insurance. 

Daniella’s client had pleaded guilty to a prolonged course of dangerous driving during a police chase. The defendant failed to stop for police despite being given opportunities to do so necessitating an attempt at tactical contact. Further, the defendant contravened red lights and drove at speeds significantly above the speed limit. The pursuit ended when the defendant collided with a roundabout. Upon the defendant’s arrest, he was found to be in possession of cannabis and was later found to have been driving without insurance at the time.

Daniella advanced considerable mitigation on her client's behalf, particularly focusing on his severe mental health difficulties. She cited research and guidance about how custody can exacerbate existing mental health problems and the heightened risks of suicide and self-harm amongst the prison population.  

Despite Daniella’s client being heavily convicted, she was able to persuade the Judge that her client could be rehabilitated in the community. She secured a 24-month suspended sentence order with a four-week concurrent suspended sentence for the drug offence. The defendant also received a one-year driving disqualification with an extended retest. 

Daniella’s client expressed his thanks for her representation. 

Daniella was instructed by Richard Brown at Baxter Brown McArthur.