Nicholas Cotter prosecutes the first offence under new watercraft safety laws
26th January 2026
3PB crime regulatory law barrister Nicholas Cotter has acted in the first prosecution of a case under the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023, which was introduced in 2024 to enable the prosecution of users of powered vessels and personal watercrafts for their unsafe operation.
Instructed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the case concerned a man who crashed into a 15-year-old kayaker near Milford Haven, causing injury and fear and wrecking the boy’s kayak. The defendant, who was carrying 6 passengers including children, was operating a duo-prop speedboat at unsafe speeds of up to 25mph moments before the accident. As speed raised the bow of the boat, the defendant was unable to see the kayaker, leading to the unfortunate crash.
The defendant received a 12 months jail sentence suspended for 2 years and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, 15 hours of required activity and pay his victim compensation and costs.
Click here to read the MCA’s press release. The case also received coverage by the BBC, in the Sun and in Wales on Line.
Nicholas Cotter is a specialist regulatory law (including HSE, EPA, CQC, Sports and business regulations), fraud and serious crime barrister. He is recognised for his expertise in Crime, Health and Safety and Professional Discipline by the legal directories Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 where he is described as “an absolute star. He is a hugely talented and experienced regulatory lawyer whose calm demeanour and court room skill have helped many grateful clients over many years."
If you wish to contact Nicholas Cotter, or instruct him or see about his availability, please email his clerk Stuart Pringle on [email protected] or by calling him on 01962 868 884.
Related News
-
3PB's crime and regulatory barrister Nicholas Cotter has successfully appealed the imposition of a 30-year minimum term for murder, which had been witnessed by a very young child. The case involved the use of knife resulting in a brutal killing on a public street. The full court were persuaded that whilst this was a significant case of its type the enhancement of the minimum term due to the presence of the child was excessive. The...
Continue reading -
3PB criminal law barrister Nate Lara (pictured here) has been successful in the Court of Appeal, arguing that the original sentence imposed in the Crown Court was manifestly excessive and wrong in principle. The defendant received a sentence of imprisonment of 30 months. Nate argued that despite the aggravating features the sentence was excessive, going outside the range in the relevant sentencing guidelines, without sufficient justification for doing so. Nate also argued that the court...
Continue reading -
Three of 3PB's crime and regulatory crime team (pictured left to right) - Kate Lumsdon KC, leading Thomas Evans, and Nick Robinson (led by Zafar Ali KC of 23ES) - have secured the acquittal of their respective clients following a six-week trial at Winchester Crown Court. Four defendants stood trial arising from two linked incidents involving e-bikes being deliberately rammed by vehicles as part of an ongoing feud. Both clients, who were youths, were alleged...
Continue reading -
3PB criminal barrister Ben Thompson has successfully acted for the Crown in a serious affray involving multiple child victims. Ben prosecuted a man in his 40s who confronted nine children in a public park, brandishing a knife and threatening to “cut their hearts out.” The defendant denied having a knife, claiming instead that he was holding a vape, but the jury rejected his account after a four-day trial in Southampton. The defendant was unanimously convicted...
Continue reading
