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\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par At Suva
\par Appellate Jurisdiction
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 79 OF 1990
\par 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770\charrsid1591770 Between:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 SEFANAIA MARAU}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770\charrsid1591770 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Appellant
\par 
\par v.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 THE STATE}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770\charrsid1591770 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par Mr. I. Fa for the Appellant
\par Mr. S. Senaratne for the Respondent
\par }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx3969\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 This is an appeal against a sentence of 12 months imprisonment and 2 years disqualification imposed on the appellant after he was found guilty of an offence of }{
\b\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Causing Death by Dangerous Driving}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
in the Suva Magistrate Court on the }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 15th of June, 1990.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par 
\par The Court record reveals that later that same day sometime after the sentence was passed, the appellant was released on bail by the trial magistrate in the sum of $300 pending the filing of his petition of appeal.
\par 
\par With respect to the learned trial magistrate his utilisation of }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Section 315}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  of the }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Criminal Procedure Code}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  in these circumstances appears somewhat incongruous.
\par 
\par }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Section 315}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  is a provision which ought to be exercised judicially and with care.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 It is not any }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 "easy-way-out"}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  for a magistrate who imposes a sentence that he later regrets or feels was too severe.
\par 
\par It must be remembered that when an application for bail pending appeal is being considered the }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 presumption}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
 is that when the applicant was convicted, he was properly convicted.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 That is why, where he is undergoing or has been sen
tenced to serve an immediate custodial sentence, he must demonstrate, if he wishes to anticipate the result of his appeal and secure his liberty forthwith, that there are }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
"exceptional" }{\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 or}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  "unusual circumstances" }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
in the case.
\par 
\par The discretion given by the section can only be exercised }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 "....... if in the circumstances of the case (the court) thinks fit ......."}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
It goes without saying that the occasions must be rare where a court which imposes an immediate custodial sentence after trial considers in the absence of any apparent or recorded reason(s) that }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 "the circumstances of the case"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11031260  warranted the pre-}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
emptory release of the accused on bail pending the filing of a petition of appeal.
\par 
\par Needless to say the release of an appellant before he has even begun to serve any part of an immediate custodial sentence imposed on him is likely to engender (}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 not unnaturally}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 I might add}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
) in such an appellant, the hope or expectation that the custodial sentence will ultimately be altered to one which does not entail any loss of liberty.
\par 
\par Magistrates would also do well to bear in mind the headnote to the case of }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Hayat Mohammed v. R}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
. 9 FLR 53 and the dictum of }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 MacDuff C.J.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  when he said at p.54 of the predecessor to }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Section 315}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 "It is clear from the wording of the section that an o
rder that the execution of the sentence or order against which an appeal is pending be suspended has no application in the case of a sentence of a fine or of an order of disqualification under the Traffic Ordinance.}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 The qualification }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 '}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 if such person is not released on bail' restricts the suspension to a sentence or order entailing a person's detention in custody."}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par Furthermore no time limit was set within which the petition was required to be filed as it should have been and in the result the appellant's petition of appeal against sentence on the single ground that it was }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 "........ too harsh and excessive in the circumstances"}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
was not lodged until 2 weeks after his release.
\par 
\par So much then for }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Section 315}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  of the Criminal Procedure Code.
\par 
\par I turn next to deal with the appellant's appeal against sentence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
However before doing so it should be noted that this was a contested case in which the appellant was represented throughout by counsel.
\par 
\par In sentencing the appellant the learned trial magistrate said}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 "The evidence in the case reveals that a boy aged 11 years was knocked down and subsequently died.}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 The accused by driving his vehicle in a built-up area at a fast speed showed scant regard for the safety of other road users.}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 A young life has been lost as a result.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 This Court will fail in its duty if}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
it does not impose a custodial sentence to deter others from driving on the public roads at a fast speed and in a dangerous manner."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par It is clear from the judgment of the learned trial magistrate that he found no actual fault in the control by the appellant of the vehicle }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 or}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  in the manner of his driving other than }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 "driving at a fast speed"}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  and whilst that distinction does not undermine in anyway the appellant's conviction (}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 see}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Archaiya v. R.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  10 FLR 117), there can be no doubting it's relevance to the question of sentence.
\par 
\par It is also clear from the evidence led at the trial that the accident occurred at a junction to a residential area at a time and on a day when the particular stretch of road was or might reasonably be expected to be abnormally}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 busy (}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
it being the float procession day of the annual Hibiscus Festival}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 ).
\par 
\par }{\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Causing Death by Dangerous Driving}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
 is an offence for which the legislature has provided a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 5 years and although there are 
reported decisions of the Courts in this country where sentences of imprisonment have been upheld on drivers found guilty of the offence (}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 see}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 13 FLR 174; 16 FLR 1; 18 FLR 167; 19 FLR 1 and 20 FLR 350}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 ), experience and statistics indicates that a custodial sentence is the exception rather than the rule.
\par 
\par If I may say so there appears to be a serious misconception amongst drivers perhaps reinforced by sentences passed by the Courts, that persons convicted of traffic offences are not really a danger to society
 or "criminals" in the popular sense of the word.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
Last year alone there were as many as 86 deaths on our roads and if the existing trend continues unabated this year the road death toll will exceed 100.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 No other area of human activity has given rise to such appalling fatality figures, human suffering and disability yet the attitude continues.
\par 
\par It is trite to say that a motor vehicle is a potentially lethal instrument and any driver who fails to realise that what he is doing at the wheel does create a risk w
hen such a risk would be obvious to any ordinary bystander and kills in the process, is prima facie deserving of severe punishment involving in many cases an immediate loss of liberty.
\par 
\par It is clearly time that our Courts treated such offences and offenders with the seriousness that the legislature intended them to be regarded and also to reflect the concern of the general public about these matters.
\par 
\par Having said that, what then are the factors that should guide a court in arriving at an appropriate sentence for an offence of causing Death by Dangerous Driving?}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 The English Court of Criminal Appeal has attempted to lay down sentencing guidelines in 2 notable decisions}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  }{\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Guilfoyle}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  (1973) 57 Cr. App. R. 549 }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 and}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  }{\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Boswell and Others}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  (1984) 6 Cr. App. R. (}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Sentencing Series}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 ) 257.

\par 
\par In }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Guilfoyle}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  Lawton L.J. in delivering the judgment of the Court said at pp. 551 and 552}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 "The experience of this Court has been that there have been many variations in penalties.}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Some variations are inevitable because no two road accidents 
are alike, but there are limits to permissible variations and it may be helpful if this Court indicates what they are.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
Cases of this kind fall into two broad categories; first, those in which the accident has arisen through momentary inattention or misjud
gment, and secondly, those in which the accused has driven in a manner which has shown a selfish disregard for the safety of other road users or of his passengers, or with a degree of recklessness.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 A sub-division of this category is provided by the cases in which an accident has been caused or contributed to by the accused's consumption of alcohol or drugs.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Offenders, too, can be put into categories.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 A substantial number have good driving records, a fair number have driving records which reveal a propensit
y to disregard speed restrictions, road signs or to drive carelessly, and a few have records which show that they have no regard whatsoever for either the traffic law or the lives and safety of other road users.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 In the judgment of this Court an offender w
ho has been convicted because of momentary inattention or misjudgment and who has a good driving record should normally be fined and disqualified from driving or obtaining a driving licence for the minimum statutory period or a period not greatly exceedin
g it, unless, of course, there are special reasons for not disqualifying.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
If his driving record is indifferent, the period of disqualification should be longer, say two to four years, and, if it is bad, he should be put off the road for a long time.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 For th
ose who have caused a fatal accident through a selfish disregard for the safety of other road users or their passengers or who have driven recklessly, a custodial sentence with a long period of disqualification may well be appropriate, and, if this kind o
f driving is coupled with a bad driving record, the period of disqualification should be such as will relieve the public of a potential danger for a very long time indeed.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Then in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Boswell}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  the learned Chief Justice }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Lord Lane}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770  identified the following 9 agg
ravating and 5 mitigating factors in cases of causing death by reckless driving.
\par 
\par }{\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Aggravating factors were}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (1)\tab 
The consumption of alcohol or drugs.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 This may range from a couple of drinks to a }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 '
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 motorised pub-crawl';
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (2)\tab A driver who races; competitive d
riving against another vehicle; grossly excessive speed; showing off;
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (3)\tab The driver who disregards warnings from his passengers;
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (4)\tab A prolonged, persistent and deliberate course of very bad driving;
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (5)\tab Other related offences committed at the same tim
e, ie driving without ever having held a licence, driving whilst disqualified, driving while a learner while unsupervised and so on;
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (6)\tab 
Previous motoring convictions, particularly offences involving bad driving or excessive consumption of alcohol, ie a man who shows that he is determined to continue to drive badly despite past experience;
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid11031260 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (7)\tab Where several people have been killed as a result of the offence;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid11031260 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (8)\tab 
Bad behaviour at the time of the offence, eg failing to stop, or worse, trying to throw the victim from his car bonnet in order to escape; and 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid11031260 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (9)\tab 
Causing death in the course of reckless driving in an attempt to avoid detection or apprehension;"}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 The factors that mitigate the sentence were}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid11031260 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (a)\tab a }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 '}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 one off' piece of reckless driving - momentary reckless error of judgment, briefly dozing at the wheel or failing to not}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11031260 ice a pedestrian at a crossing;}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11031260 (b)\tab a good driving record;}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (c)\tab good character generally;
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid11031260 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (d)\tab a plea of guilty would be taken into account in favour of the defendant; and 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid11031260 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (e)\tab the
 effect of the offence on the defendant, shocked or generally remorseful, particularly where the victim or a close friend or relation and the consequent emotional shock was likely to have been great."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par Applying those factors to the present case under appea
l and conscious that the single aggravating feature in the case was the dangerous speed at which the appellant had driven his vehicle on a busy public road, a short custodial sentence would have been entirely appropriate.
\par 
\par However in the unusual circumstances of this case, notably caused by factors beyond the appellant's control, this Court is constrained to order that the sentence of 12 months imprisonment be suspended for a period of 2 years with effect from the }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 15th of June 1990}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 The order and length of disqualification however is entirely appropriate in the circumstances and is accordingly upheld.
\par 
\par The appellant is warned that if he is convicted of an imprisonable offence during the operational period of his suspended sentence he may be required to serve
 this sentence of 12 months imprisonment along with any other sentence that might be imposed for his re-offending.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
In addition, if he has not already surrendered his }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 Drivers Licence}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
 to the authorities, the same is hereby ordered to be delivered to the Court within 7 days.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx3969\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 (D.V. Fatiaki)
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 At Suva,
\par 14th February, 1991.
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1591770 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10431911 HA}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 A}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10431911 00}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 79}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10431911 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1591770 90}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10431911 S}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12483960\charrsid1591770 
\par }}