48th time's the charm: U.K. driver narrowly escapes prison
Being described by his court-appointed attorney as a "likeable idiot" is the least of Jamie Manderson's problems. The U.K. citizen is being identified as the most convicted motorist in the country's history, with almost 200 criminal offenses under his belt since the age of 15. The majority of his crimes took place while Manderson was behind the wheel, causing his license to be suspended 48 times over the last 18 years.Between a heroin problem, numerous vehicle thefts and what's being described as "car addiction," Mr. Manderson recently admitted to driving on a suspended license and lacking car insurance, leading the judge to threaten him with jail time, but instead imposing a two-year restriction on driving.
Could this happen in the good ol' U.S. of A.? Sound off in comments.
[Source: BBC News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Chad Gallion 1:10PM (7/27/2006)
It would all depend on the severity of the offenses. You would think someone would dump him in jail if he was a danger to other motorist, or at least for car thefts. If he just kept driving illegally, and had no insurance, he would probably just keep getting fines.
I think this would make a great movie about a car addict. Which do you think he is more addicted to, heroin or cars? Me, I am addicted to cars and massages.
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Steve Ducharme 1:14PM (7/27/2006)
"Could this happen in the good ol' U.S. of A.?"
Oh god yes. I have friends with deplorable records (one served a bit of time from 5 DUI's and has a lifetime revoaction) who continue to drive and they still skirt "real" jail time somehow.
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CWF 1:22PM (7/27/2006)
It depends, how innocent can you afford to be?
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Ryan 1:38PM (7/27/2006)
You can purchase justice for a reasonable fee in the USA.
Look at my Dad for example rich, selfemployed asswipe look at this:
1.) DUI 1998, paid his way out of it via lawyers, can' remember how he got out of it.
2.) DUI 1999, paid his way out of it via lawyers, he got the DUI after running a red light, but he and his lawyers were able to prove it was a yellow light, canceling out the fact he should have ever been pulled over.
3.) 1997- Caught smoking pot at a truck stop in his 1997 ES300 (or what ever the "base" lexus is) and he purchased his way out of that one somehow, I don't really know.
4.) 2000-Caught smoking pot on interstate 5 in south of Seattle by a Washington State patrol next to him, that charge almost stuck, but somehow he got out of it.
Well thats my dad.
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Finished.Law.School 1:46PM (7/27/2006)
This is a prime example of someone that should be banned for life from driving.
I blame the ignorant liberal attitude that is prevalent in the UK for this sort of stupidity. These are likely the same sort of liberals that think punishments for rapists and child molestors should be decreased...
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Pinkerton 1:55PM (7/27/2006)
I'm no legal expert, but our attitude towards addicts leans more toward punishment than treatment, especially for repeat offenders. Regardless of being a "likable idiot" and a heroin addict, he's also stealing cars (to support his habit?). Again, a repeat offender as a thief too. If he were in the US, he would have been locked away a long time ago.
"A s**t leopard can't change it's spots."
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Ryan 1:56PM (7/27/2006)
"I blame the ignorant liberal attitude that is prevalent in the UK for this sort of stupidity. These are likely the same sort of liberals that think punishments for rapists and child molestors should be decreased..."
Finishid Law School:
If there was enough $$$ in it for you I'd be willing to bet you would go to the highest bidder also.
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DC_1 1:56PM (7/27/2006)
Ryan,
My father has your beat!!
Between the years of 1981 and 1999 my father has had over 20 D.U.I. Fines here and there, served 30 days once and has still has a valid Illinois licenses. I have no idea how he still rides around. I must say he's been clean for the last 6 years!
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Ryan 2:02PM (7/27/2006)
"8. Ryan,
My father has your beat!!
Between the years of 1981 and 1999 my father has had over 20 D.U.I. Fines here and there, served 30 days once and has still has a valid Illinois licenses. I have no idea how he still rides around. I must say he's been clean for the last 6 years!
Posted at 1:56PM on Jul 27th 2006 by DC_1 0 stars"
Holy crap! The sad thing is if it was you or I we would be nailed to the cross by MADD.!
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Oliver 2:11PM (7/27/2006)
Umm...
Any reason why an ASS shot was chosen?
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Will 2:33PM (7/27/2006)
Hey DC, what is your dads first name? That story sounds really familiar.
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Anon 2:51PM (7/27/2006)
Cuffs are almost never used in the UK.
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ziggie 4:15PM (7/27/2006)
damn!!!!!!!!!!!!! how much is paying for insurance
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iQuack 4:45PM (7/27/2006)
Insurance?
No way he can get insurance.
That dude should be taken out and shot.
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WillDaThrill 6:52PM (7/27/2006)
Ah, it's good to know that we aren't the only society with the greatest justice system.
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JJ 7:32PM (7/27/2006)
I dont get it... guys like this and people with several DUI's somehow manage to keep their licenses or have minor suspensions...
and yet i get a 4 40's in a 35 and 2 no turn on reds on a empty highway, with no prior accidents or major tickets and i get my license suspended for 9 months?
I tell ya... it just aint fair
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It 9:52PM (7/27/2006)
I have a buddy with 26 different speeding/reckless driving tickets from age 16-26 and he still has his license.
Lawyers.
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Luis Longo 1:35AM (7/28/2006)
SIT HIM IN THE ELECTRIC CHAIR
SHOOT HIM
INJECT GAS ON HIS BLOOD, THEN TURN ON A LIGHTER
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Poppso 1:58AM (7/28/2006)
As a former police officer I can tell you it happens in the US on a daily basis.
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Mick 3:43AM (7/28/2006)
I think some of you law-and-order champions might be happier in a place like Iran where they hang 16-year old girls for unmarried sex. Maybe you could get hired by their "morals police.
"http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/5217424.stm
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