Prosecution lawyers rule out appeal against ferry driver
Leading prosecution lawyers have revealed there will be no appeal against a ferry driver cleared of dangerous driving.
James Spence, 41, was accused of steering onto a dangerous course on June 24 last year after he almost hit an 18-foot inflatable boat. But when the case came to court on May 18, Magistrate Arthur Hodgson threw out the charge claiming there was not enough evidence to prove Spence was piloting the Sea Venture ferry. Spence, of Cove Valley Road, St. George's, allegedly steered the ferry out of Dockyard and around a channel marker. Sailing official Charles (Chuck) Millican said his boat's anchor line was cut by the ferry's propeller.
Deputy Director of Marine and Ports Mike Dolding, who confirmed Spence was still employed as a ferry pilot, said the Attorney General appeared to have a reasonable chance of winning an appeal -- if it could be proved Spence was driving the ferry.