An MHK says further questions need to be asked about why the acquittal rate for those charged with motoring offences is so low.

As we have already reported, in Tynwald last week it was revealed that of the 2,862 cases brought before the courts in the last five years, only 14 resulted in not guilty verdicts after trial.

In the last full calendar year, 2017, there were 671 motoring offences. Of these, six ended up with not guilty verdicts.

In the nine months up the end of September this year, there were 536 motoring offences and two were recorded as found not guilty.

In Tynwald, Attorney General John Quinn rejected a suggestion the data raised questions about the rule of law and an individual’s chance of being found not guilty when accused of a motoring offence. He was responding to a question tabled by Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew).

Mr Moorhouse told the Manx Independent: ’Before I ask a question I always do quite a lot of background research.

’With regards to this question, I became aware of a case several months ago where a very articulate young man, who was clearly very distressed about a situation he found himself in and desperate to access the courts to prove his innocence.

’The result of the court case was unexpected.

’Following that court case a couple of constituents have raised concerns about motoring convictions.

’When over 99.5% of the accused are found guilty of a motoring offence either our evidence and systems are working with incredible efficiency or something is not quite right.’

Mr Moorhouse said the AG’s answer was what he had expected. ’As the defender of our legal system he has to show confidence,’ he said.

He added: ’My priority is how to progress with this in the most effective manner.

’In the coming weeks I need to review comparative data, find out how many people actually accept a motoring offence before the court case starts and drill down into the data set. Following the question the response from colleagues has been interesting and their thoughts will hopefully give me more direction and clarity with regard to what to do next.’

All the not guilty verdicts over the past five years were handed down in the summary courts.

Of the cases that were dealt with in the higher Court of General Gaol Delivery, they either had guilty pleas or resulted in guilty verdicts after a trial.

Mr Moorhouse also asked a question for written reply on how motoring offences are brought to court primarily on third party evidence.

Mr Quinn replied that each case is considered on its own merits.