| I recall a case some years ago where a commuter had bought a rail ticket for his journey but somehow lost that ticket whilst on the train. When he was unable to produce the ticket, an inspector took his details and he was prosecuted for "theft from the railway" or something like that. However he subsequently proved that he had purchased the correct ticket before boarding the train and the court ruled that as he had clearly not "deliberately intended to steal or defraud" (or something like that) he could not be found guilty of theft. Losing his ticket, yes. But theft, no. I am not a lawyer and I don't recall the exact details, but that was the gist of it. So surely something similar would apply here? Someone has paid for their permit, in full and honestly. But then the permit accidentally slides out of sight. How can such a harsh penalty be levied for what seems to be a very minor misdemeanor? It really oughtn't to be allowed. |