DVLA Car Tax Fine - due to delay in V5

[VENOMEXUK]

Hi,

just wanted some advise if possible,

Was given a car in October last year as a gift from my uncles estate

the V5 was sent off at that time however did not arrive until January 26 after I chased,

I then moved house before the form arrived so as soon as I received it I updated the details on the v5 to my new address and This time came through ok. Also set up a dd for tax - as I was unable to do so before due to the v5 and the v5 green slip all being sent to dvla.

I then sorned the vehicle and sold it.

DVLA are now taking me to court for the tax from October to when I changed the address for the outstanding tax and a fine.

looking at it - technically it looks like I am guilty of breaking the rules as on paper everything is correct:

so the question is: would they consider the lateness of the V5 arriving (I am assuming due to processing speed at time) as a mitigating circumstance if I can prove it? The keys were not released to be by the solicitor untill I had the v5 document confirming it was in my name (again I have emails and documents). Also it was held on private land (uncles driveway) untill it was sold.

any help would be appreciated - realise I am probably in the wrong here so just want to try and get some advice. Also as a side note does it make a difference to present evidence in person and plead guilty or do it all over the single process?

thanks again in advance

[HandyAndy]

DVLA are now taking me to court for the tax...

Did they make you an offer of an out-of-court settlement before they did that?

What exactly have you received which says they are taking you to court?

[VENOMEXUK]

Hi,

I did receive a letter about an out of court settlement dated a few days outside of the v5 and but before I changed the address.

i have received a single justice procedure notice so assuming this is a kind of “end of the line” letter. Tho have to say love the way the suggest in the text subtly to plead guilty but putting that as the first option.

if I can fight it I will however looking at it I don’t see any way at the moment - if there is not way they it is more a case of mitigating damage

[VENOMEXUK]

Just to add - the date of ownership on the V5 is October but the date it was issuedrinted was 7th Jan this year. The entire v5 from my uncle was sent to dvla with my details on it however she was not aware to keep the new keepers for me
v5 reminder was then sent on 17th Jan and then a few days later the we can offer you a discount - however by this point I had changed the adress of the car (as picked up the v5 and reminder at same time) and taxed the car relaised I would not be able to collect it so then made it soon (as was on his driveway still)

not sure if this helps or hinders