A few years back now, if a remand prisoner had to go to our local Magistrates Court, they had to be attached to a police officer. One day, I drew a short straw. Because there was no secure accommodation, I had to remain attached while he spoke with his brief. He was told to plead guilty. He replied, but you have been telling me to plead not guilty. Solicitor said, yes I know but we've given the legal aid a run so just plead guilty. Short while later said Solicitor said to my Inspector, I am fed up with keep getting fixed penalty tickets. My Inspectors reply was park your car in the car park like ordinary people have to do. The reply, I am not bothered I just stick it on my legal aid bill. When I mentioned about the conversation re legal aid I was told to keep my mouth shut or I would be done for breaching confidentiality. Five of my colleagues and I in a knife attack case were all called liars in court. When challenged afterwards, the Solicitor merely said, I've got to make it look as if I am trying. Many deserving people are now denied Legal Aid because of the huge amount of money that was fiddled. Lawyers never give you anything but an opinion with the let out if it's wrong. Cynical? Me? Lawyers make laws that they can argue about for years. What's my point? the VW case should be a slam dunk guilty case BUT will it? NO you watch the big names in the Barrister field when the British case gets anywhere near a court room.
Before Lawyers start crying foul, all I am doing is quoting my experience I do not in any way suggest all lawyers are anything but honest.