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\qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12066294 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 [1991] 37 FLR 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 

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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12066294 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid12066294 THE STATE
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12066294 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 [HIGH COURT, 1991 (Fatiaki J), 15 March]
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12066294 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12066294 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 Appellate Jurisdiction
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10703413 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2387128 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid12066294 Sentence - driving whilst uninsured- duty of sentencer considering
 disqualification to alert the accused - "special reasons "- relevance of master and servant relationship.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10703413 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 The appellant drove for a diplomatist part-time; the vehicle was uninsured.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 On appeal against disqu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 alification the High Court HELD:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 
 (1) the resident}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413  magistrate should have alerted the appellant that he was considering}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 
disqualifying him from driving (2) in the circumstances of the case the appellant's honest but mistaken belief that the vehicle was insured amounted to a "special reason" for not disqualifying him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 Cases cited
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid12066294 Anthony Albert Ireland}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413  (1988) 10 Cr. App. R. (S) 474}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 

\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid12066294 Blows v Chapman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294  [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 1947}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 ] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 2 All ER 576
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid12066294 Jones v English}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413  [1951] 2 All ER 853
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid12066294 D}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid12066294 PP v Mahend Singh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 
 Cr. App. No. 9 of 1983
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid12066294 Money}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413  (1988) 10 Cr. App. R. (S) 237
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid12066294 Powell and Carvell}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413  (1984) 6 Cr. App. R. (S) 354
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid12066294 Rennison v Knowler}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413  [1947] 1 All E R 302
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 Appeal against sentence imposed in the Magistrates' Court.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid2387128 H. Lateef}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413  for the Appellant
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid2387128 Ms. N. Shameem}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413  for the Respondent
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid12066294 Fatiaki }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid12066294 J.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid12066294 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 The appellant pleaded guilty in the Magistrate Court to offences of }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 Driving a}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 n }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 Unlicensed Motor Vehicle}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid9045547  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 and }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 Using an Uninsured Motor Vehicle}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 
. He was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of $15 on each count. In addition he was disqualified from holding or
 obtaining a driving licence for a period of 12 months on the latter offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413 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 hav
ing regard t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 o "special reason", advanced by}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413\charrsid10703413  him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 
The Magistrates Court record however reveals that the appellant was unrepresented at his trial and had said nothing in mitigation. Subsequently learned counsel appeared for the appellant before the trial ma
gistrate and unsuccessfully sought an order for a stay of the appellant's disqualification pending appeal.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 In his written ruling the learned trial magistrate observed correctly that no }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 
special reasons' were given at the trial nor in the application for a stay however he erred in holding that there was no power to suspend a sentence of disqualification pending appeal. Such a power exists by virtue of Section 29(2) of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 the Traffic Act Cap. 176 read with Section 4(3) of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Ordinance (Cap. 153, 1967 Edn.)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 Section 4(2) of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Ordinance Cap. 153 provides inter alia:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12066294 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 "....... a person convicted of an offence under th
is section shall (unless the Court for special reasons thinks fit to order otherwise ......... ) 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\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10703413 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 Clearly in the absence of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 
special reasons' a Court is obliged to disqualify an offender for at least 12 months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 However learned counsel's argument on appeal was not so much that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 special reasons' had been advanced by the appellant but rather that the learned trial magistrate ought
, (in fairness to the appellant who was unrepresented throughout) to have advised him that he was at risk of losing his driving licence.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2387128 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 In addition, the trial magistrate ought to have explained the nature of permissible }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 special reasons' and then called upon the appellant to advance or show }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 special reasons' (if any) why he should not be disqualified.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 With this submission this Court agrees. In the first place the words in parenthesis in Section 4(2) (above) dealing with }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 special reasons' enables the Cour
t 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 see: }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 Jones v. English}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid9045547  [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 1951] 2 All E.R 853), nevertheless, the Court as a logical sentencing proce
dure ought first to exclude the existence of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 special reasons' before ordering disqualification under the section.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 I am also fortified in this view by recent decisions of the English Court of Appeal which held in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 
Powell and Carvell}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid12066294  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 (1984) 6 Cr. App. R. (S) 354:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12066294 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 
"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}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10703413 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12066294 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 affirmed and applied in }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 Money }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 (1988) 10 Cr. App. R. (S) 237 and more recently in }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 Anthony Albert Ireland}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid12066294  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 
(1988) 10 Cr. App. R. (S) 474).
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10703413 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 It is significant that in the 3 cases cited the appellants were represented by counsel at their trials, a fortiori in my view the same must hold true for an unrepresented accu
sed faced with mandatory disqualification in the absence of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 
special reasons'. Needless to say learned State Counsel very properly conceded that in the interests of justice the appellant should have been asked.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 In the circumstances following the decision of the Chief Justice in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 D.P.P v. Mahend Singh}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid12066294  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 Cr. App. No. 9 of 1983, and in the exercise of powers under Section 32
0(l) of the Criminal Procedure Code Cap. 21, 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.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 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 turn. On the day in question he was requested by the owner to pick him up
 from Nadi International Airport but unfortunately on the way the vehicle went off the road. Fortunately however no one was hurt in the accident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 Although the appellant was aware of the need for a driver to be covered for third party risks, he had not enqu
ired of the owner whether or not the vehicle was insured nor had he thought it proper to enquire. 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 tha
t the vehicle was properly registered and fully insured. He was paid $25 to drive the vehicle on this occasion.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 In }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 Rennison v. Knowler}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid9045547  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 (1947) 1 All E R 302 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}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12066294 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 
"Belief, however honest, cannot, in our opinion, be regarded as a special reason unless it is based on reasonable grounds".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10703413 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 and later in the same judgment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12066294 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 "W}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 e cannot h
old that a belief founded on no reasonable grounds can constitute a special reason. Considering that he never even asked the question we cannot possibly accept his belief on this matter as a special reason".}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12066294 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10703413 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 In my view that case is narrowly distinguishabl
e from the present by the apparent equality in the relationship between the parties and the unreasonable omission
\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 and the fact that he was paid to drive, it would be unbecoming even rude for the appellant a member of a disciplined force, to enquire of the vehicle owner:
 (his superior) "Sir, is the vehicle covered?"
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 
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 circ
umstances of this case that omission was not unreasonable. The fact that the appellant was paid for his efforts also put him in the subservient position of an employee.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 If I may say so the facts and circumstances of this case are almost indistinguishable from that pertaining in the case of }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 Blows v. Chapman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid12066294  [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 
1947] 2 All E R 576 which learned counsel for appellant drew to the court's attention.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 In that case an employee was told by his employer to cart some manure using an uninsured tractor for a short dista
nce along a public road. In upholding a lower court's decision quashing the disqualification imposed, Singleton J. said in words reminiscent of counsel's submissions in this appeal, at p. 577}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 :}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12066294 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 "In the case before us, the respondent was a workman who had d
riven tractors for his employer for many years without complaint. On the day on which he was seen by the police he was driving a tractor which was not covered by insurance. He did not know that. He was, in my view, entitled to assume that his employ}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2387128 er had complied with the law }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 ........... It is not I think, the duty of a workm}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2387128 an to ask his employer each day: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 "Is this vehicle insured?"
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10703413 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 Having regard to the appellant's sworn evidence and the particular circumstances of the case including the fact of the vehi
cle owner (the principal offender in this case) having been previously acquitted by this court because of his diplomatic status, I hold that the appellant had reasonable grounds for his honestly held (albeit mistaken) belief that the motor vehicle was in 
fact insured and that such belief amounts to a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 special reason' for not disqualifying him.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294\charrsid10703413 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid10703413 Accordingly the order of disqualification is quashed and the appellant's driving licence (if already produced) is hereby ordered to be returned to him. There being n
o appeal against the fines imposed, they are upheld.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12066294 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12921758\charrsid12066294 (Appeal allowed; sentence varied)
\par }}