Lawyer in the news

Who? Richard Reed, 43-year-old partner in Grahame Stowe Bateson, an eight-partner Leeds-based firm.

Why is he in the news? Currently representing Michael Saddington, who was acquitted last February of driving a 'Go-Ped' motorised scooter without insurance and while disqualified.

The Crown Prosecution Service has brought an appeal - currently being heard in the High Court - against the decision, claiming that the scooter, which is powered by a small petrol engine, should be classified as a motor vehicle, meaning that its use could be controlled under the1988 Road Traffic Act.

Background: Law degree at Newcastle Trent Polytechnic, 1976-79, followed by Law Society finals at Guildford Law College, 1980.

Articled at Leeds Magistrates Court, and after qualifying in 1985 joined Grahame Stowe Bateson, where he was made partner in 1987.

Awarded higher rights of audience in January 1999.

Route to the case: 'Mr Saddington was one of our existing clients.

I had acted for him before.'

Thoughts on the case: 'We are arguing that these scooters are sporting vehicles rather than motor, and as they are not intended for road use should not come under the 1988 Act.

We do accept that the scooters are mechanically propelled, but the Act clearly defines motor vehicles - for example, as having pneumatic tyres, a clutch, seats and proper braking system - none of which the Go-Ped has.

Since they are clearly unsafe for road use, as the manufacturers have spelt out, they should not be classified as motor vehicles.

There's considerable public interest in this matter, as these scooters are becoming more and more popular, and so we're very much looking forward to the High Court issuing guidelines on their usage and legal definition.'

Victoria MacCallum