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\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par At Suva
\par Appellate Jurisdiction
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 17 OF 1991
\par 
\par Between:
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 TEVITA WAQAVAKATOGA}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010\charrsid2828010 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Appellant
\par 
\par v.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 THE STATE}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010\charrsid2828010 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par Mr. H. Lateef for the Appellant
\par Ms. N. Shameem for the Respondent
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx3969\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 The appellant pleaded guilty in the Magistrate Court to offences of }{\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Driving an Unlicensed Motor Vehicle}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 and }{\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Using an Uninsured Motor Vehicle}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 .}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 He was convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of $15 on each count.}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 In addition he was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for a period of 12 months on the latter offence.
\par 
\par He now appeals against the order of disqualification on the ground that the learned trial magistrate erred in law in not exercising his discretion in favour of the appellant having regard to }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 special reasons'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  advanced by him. 
\par 
\par {\*\bkmkstart QuickMark}{\*\bkmkend QuickMark}The Magistrate Court record however reveals that the appellant was unrepresented at his trial and had said nothing in mitigation.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Subsequently learned counsel appeared for the appellant before the trial magistrate and unsuccessfully sought an order for a stay of the appellant's disqualification pending appeal.
\par 
\par In his written ruling the learned trial magistrate observed correctly that no }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 special reasons'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  were given at the trial nor in the application for a stay }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 however}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  he erred in holding that there was no power to suspend a sentence of disqualification pending appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Such a power exists by virtue of Section 29(2) of the }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Traffic Act Cap. 176}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  read with Section 4(3) of the }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Ordinance Cap. 153.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par 
\par Section 4(2) of the }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Ordinance Cap. 153}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  provides }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 inter alia}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033577 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 "....... a person convicted of an offence under this section shall }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (unless the Court for special reasons}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
thinks fit to order otherwise .........)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for a period of 12 months from the date of conviction."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par Clearly in the absence of }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 special reasons'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
 a Court is obliged to disqualify an offender for at least 12 months.
\par 
\par However learned counsel's argument on appeal was not so much that }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 special reasons'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  had been advanced by the appellant but rather that the learned trial magistrate ought, (}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
in fairness to the appellant who was unrepresented throughout}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 ) to have advised him that he was at risk of losing hi}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12980808 s driving licence.}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par 
\par In addition, the trial magistrate ought to have explained the nature of permissible }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 special reasons'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  and then called upon the appellant to advance or show }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
special reasons' }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 if any}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
) why he should not be disqualified.
\par 
\par With this submission this Court agrees.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 In the first place the words in parenthesis in Section 4(2) (}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 above}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 ) dealing with }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 special reasons'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  enables }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 "the Court"}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  not to disqualify if it "thinks fit", and, whilst the burden of proving the existence of special reasons must of necessity fall on a convicted person to show \{}{
\i\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 see}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Jones v. English}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (1951) 2 All E.R}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid12980808 .}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  853\}}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
, nevertheless, the Court as a logical sentencing procedure ought first to exclude the existence of }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 special reasons'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  before ordering disqualification under the section.
\par 
\par I am also fortified in this view by recent decisions of the English Court of Appeal which held in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Powell and Carvell}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
 }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (1984) 6 Cr. App. R. (S) 354}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033577 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
"The sentencer had erred in not allowing counsel to know that he had in mind to impose a disqualification so that they could address their minds to the question and make submissions on it."}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033577 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (affirmed and applied in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Money}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (1988) 10 Cr. App. R. (S) 237}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
 and more recently in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Anthony Albert Ireland}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
(1988) 10 Cr. App. R. (S) 474.)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par It is significant that in the 3 cases cited the appellants were represented by counsel at their trials, }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 a fortiori}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
 in my view the same must hold true for an unrepresented accused faced with a mandatory disqualification in the absence of }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
special reasons'.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Needless to say learned State Counsel very properly conceded that }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 in the interests of justice'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
 the appellant should have been asked.
\par 
\par In the circumstances following the decision of the Chief Justice in }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 D.P.P v. Mahend Singh}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Cr. App. No. 9 of 1983,}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 and in the exercise of powers under Sec
tion 320(1) of the }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Criminal Procedure Code Cap. 21}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
, the Court adjourned the further hearing of the appeal so as to enable the appellant to appear and give sworn evidence on the narrow question of whether or not special reasons existed in his case.
\par 
\par The appellant an employee in the Fiji Navy testified that he lived with and had known the owner of the vehicle for quite a long time and on numerous occasions had done some part-time driving for him.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 On the day in question he was requested by the owner to pick him up from }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Nadi International Airport}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  but unfortunately on the way the vehicle went off the road.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
Fortunately however no one was hurt in the accident.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par 
\par Although the appellant was aware of the need for a driver to be covered for third party risks, he had not enquired of the owner whether or not the vehicle was insured nor had he thought it proper to enquire.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
His reason being that the owner held a very responsible position in a large international organisation and he had no reason to doubt and in fact believed that the vehicle was properly registered and fully insured.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 He was paid $25 to drive the vehicle on this occasion.
\par 
\par In }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Rennison v. Knowler}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (1947) 1 All E R 302}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  Lord Goddard C.J. in considering a situation where the owner of a motor cycle had permitted a friend to drive it in the belief that he was covered, said at p. 304}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 "}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
Belief, however honest, cannot, in our opinion, be regarded as a special reason unless it is based on reasonable grounds."}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par and later in the same judgment}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 :}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 "We cannot hold that a belief founded on no reasonable grounds can constitute a special reason.}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Considering that he never even asked the question we cannot possibly accept his belief on this matter as a special reason."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par In my view that case is narrowly distinguishable from the present by the apparent }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 equality'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  in the relationship between the parties and the unreasonable omission by the policy holder to acquaint himself with the terms of his policy.
\par 
\par Learned counsel for the appellant in dealing with the evidence of the appellant submitted that in all the circumstances having regard to the high esteem in which the vehicle owner was held by the appellant, their relative "unequal" positions }{
\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 and}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  the fact that he was paid to drive, it would be unbecoming even rude for the appellant a memb
er of a disciplined force, to enquire of the vehicle owner: }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (his superior)}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 "Sir, is the vehicle covered?"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par 
\par Learned State Counsel accepts that the appellant honestly believed that the vehicle was covered by a valid insurance policy and although he had made 
no enquiries of the owner, nevertheless, in the special circumstances of this case that omission was not unreasonable.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
The fact that the appellant was paid for his efforts also put him in the }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 subservient' position of an }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 employee'}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 .
\par 
\par If I may say so the facts and circumstances of this case are almost indistinguishable from that pertaining in the case of }{\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Blows v. Chapman}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (1947) 2 All E R 576}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
 which learned counsel for appellant drew to the court's attention.
\par 
\par In that case an employee was told by his employer to cart some manure using an uninsured tractor for a short distance along a public road.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 In upholding a lower court's decision quashing the disqualification imposed, }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 Singleton J.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  said in words reminiscent of counsel's submissions in this appeal, at p. 577}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 :}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
"In the case before us, the respondent was a workman who had driven tractors for his employer for many years without complaint.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
On the day on which he was seen by the police he was driving a tractor which was not covered by insurance.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 He did not know that.}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 He was, in my view, entitled to assume that his employer had complied with the law ............}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 It is not I think, the duty of a workman to ask his employer each day}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 :}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  "Is this vehicle insured?"}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par Having regard to the appellant's sworn evidence and the particular circumstances of the case including the fact of the vehicle owner }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (the principal }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 offender' in this case)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
 having been previously acquitted by this court because of his }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 diplomatic status,}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
 I hold that the appellant had reasonable grounds for his honestly held (}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 albeit mistaken}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
) belief that the motor vehicle was in fact insured and that such belief amounts to a }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010 '}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 special reason'}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010  for not disqualifying him.
\par 
\par Accordingly the order of disqualification is quashed and the appellant's driving licence }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (if already produced)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
 is hereby ordered to be returned to him.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 There being no}{\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2828010  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 appeal against the fines imposed they are upheld.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx3969\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 (D.V. Fatiaki)
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 JUDGE}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2828010 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3349082\charrsid2828010 
\par At Suva
\par 15th March, 1991.
\par }}