Work of magistrates continues right up until the end

FINAL day . . . speeches to colleagues

THE final cases were heard as one of Oldham's iconic buildings of authority gave its final curtain call yesterday.

Magistrates Geoff Millard, Brenda Gates and Graham Eckersall, with a total of 81 years on the bench, presided as the court dispensed justice for the last time.

Mr Millard said: "It is a very sad day that the Oldham court is closing. We are losing a courtroom but the other courts in the area are getting a lot of experience in magistrates. We are losing the building but Oldham magistrates will all still be dealing with Oldham people."

Imran Hussain entered no plea with regards to an incident on December 4, 2015, which saw Steve Pickering hit by a car and subsequently die later in hospital as a result of his injuries.

The prosecution said Hussain was driving along Manchester Road in Failsworth accompanied by his wife when at the same time Mr Pickering, who had recently got off the tram, was walking along the same road.

At the lights near Hollins Road Mr Pickering crossed and was hit by Hussain travelling between 30 and 50mph, the court heard.

Despite entering no plea Hussain's defence stated that this was only because they had not received all the evidence relating to the incident but assured family members present he intended to plead guilty once that was collected. In a statement to police read out in court by the defence, Hussain said: "I would like to send my condolences to Mr Pickering's family and friends. There is not a day goes by that I don't think of Mr Pickering.

"Knowing that Mr Pickering is not with his family and friends at this time makes his loss all the more difficult."

The case has been referred to Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court on October 20.

Marc McLelland (27), of Urmston, pleaded guilty to driving without a licence, causing an accident by driving, failing to stop at the accident and failing to report the accident to police within 24 hours.

He was driving a Mini Cooper along Broadway, Chadderton, on August 6 when he tried to overtake a taxi which he clipped and caused to crash.

He told the taxi driver he was "sorry" before he panicked and fled the scene. He handed himself in to police two days later.

McLelland, who represented himself, said: "Everything that the lady (prosecution) has said is fairly accurate. I went to overtake the vehicle and misjudged it and panicked. I am very sorry about it."

The court heard that McLelland was in a similar situation years ago when he was involved in a traffic accident and fled the scene.

He received seven penalty points and was ordered to pay £680.

Window

Magistrate Mr Millard said: "It did concern us that this is the second time. The day may come when it is not a small accident and you leave the scene when somebody needs help."

The last case heard at Oldham was of Sarah Smith (21), from Bradford. She pleaded guilty to driving without a licence and insurance, driving without due care and attention, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report the accident after she backed a car into the window of a shop on Richmond Avenue, Royton, on February 26.

Prior to the incident Smith had attended a party in the area and had gone with a friend the following morning to buy alcohol.

She was driven to the shop by the friend who suggested to Smith that she drive back because he felt under the influence of alcohol from the previous night.

CCTV showed Smith reversing in an arching motion before hitting the shop window. She then stopped for a moment and drove off.

She received 10 penalty points and was ordered to pay £750.