Requesting a change of venue

[Dabeuk]

Good afternoon all,

I am being taken to magistrates court for driving offences in Wales. I have requested previously that the court be heard at a magistrates court closer to myself as since the time of the alleged offence i have lost both my income and any form of transport as my company became insolvent and has ceased trading.

In the latest letter received no acknowledgement was made regarding my request to be heard at a closer venue and a date and location has been determined over 100 miles away.

I have stated that i intend to present witness statements and other evidence that will prove my innocence but should the trial be heard in Wales i will be unable to attend and as such will not be given fair chance at representation.

My question is, how do i formally request a change of venue to one closer to me (the defendant) and do i have any rights to request this at all?

If there is legislation set out that does allow me this right can someone please point me in the right direction to find it.

Thanks in advance.

[des8]

AFAIK it is not possible to elect a trial in a different court venue.

Just thinking, why should the prosecution witnesses incur the costs of travel etc when the defendant can claim these if found not guilty.