{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f168\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}
{\f169\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f171\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f172\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f173\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}
{\f174\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f175\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f176\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*
\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid220312\rsid1076408\rsid2324178\rsid8001617\rsid8018660\rsid8192908}
{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6612;}{\info{\title IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI}{\author blake_r}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo2\dy15\hr14\min42}{\revtim\yr2005\mo2\dy15\hr14\min42}{\version2}{\edmins1}{\nofpages2}{\nofwords842}{\nofchars4803}
{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws5634}{\vern16389}}\paperw11904\paperh16834\margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701
\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3\jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot2324178 \fet0\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2
\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 IN THE SUPREME COURT 
OF FIJI
\par Appellate Jurisdiction
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 Criminal Appeal No. 39 of 1978
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 JONE OSALI
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 
On the 10th April 1978 at Suva Magistrates Court the respondent was convicted on his own plea of driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drink contrary to section 39(1) of the Traffic Ordinance (hereinafter called count 1) and of dangerous driving 
c
ontrary to section 38(1) of the Traffic Ordinance (hereinafter called count 2), both offences arising from the same set of facts. On count 1 he was sentenced to a fine of $50 and disqualified from driving for three months, and on count 2 he was granted as
 absolute discharge.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 
The Crown has appealed on the grounds that the fine is inadequate, that the respondent should have been disqualified for at least twelve months, and that it was wrong in principle to grant an absolute discharge on count 2.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 As I pointed out earlier today (in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 R}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 .}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312  v. Mohammed Iqbal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 Cr. App. 45/78) }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 too many drivers are }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 disregarding }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 
the responsibility they owe to others, resulting in unnecessary suf}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 fering and waste of human life. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 To drive when under the influe
nce of liquor to such an extent as to be incapable of properly controlling a motor vehicle is a reprehensible and prevalent offence and warrants severe punishment. In}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8001617\charrsid220312  }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312 R}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8001617\charrsid220312 .}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312  v. Laisiasa Bulamaibau}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 Cr. App. No. 23/77}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8001617\charrsid220312  I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2324178\charrsid220312  stated that:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8001617\charrsid220312 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 "For a person to attempt to drive a motor vehic
le in this condition shows such a culpable disregard for the safety of other road users as to jus}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 tify a sentence of imprisonment"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 In that case the evidence revealed that the blood alcohol level of the driver was 356 milligrams/100 millilitres. In the pres
ent case the blood alcohol level of the respondent is not known, as at the present time the Royal Fiji Police, who are responsible for ensuring safety on the roads, have no power to require a suspected drunken driver to give a blood sample. This deficienc
y in the law hampers the preventive action of the police, and is of benefit only to drunken drivers many of whom, although they are a menace on the roads, cannot be brought to justice.
\par 
\par The respondent who is a truck driver by occupation earning $78 a week, was seen to be driving a light goods vehicle along Edinburgh Drive at 7.30 p.m. in a zig-zag ma}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 n}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 ner, ending up on the wrong side of the road after nearly colliding with an approaching bus; and on being examined at hospital was found to be too drunk to properly control a motor vehicle.
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
\par If a person drives a motor vehicle while so drunk}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
as to be incapable of properly controlling it, and in so doing causes a dangerous situation by failing to exercise the prudence and care of a competent and experienced driver,
 it is perfectly in order for him to be charged both with drunken driving and dangerous driving (}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 R. v. McBride}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312  
(1961) 45 Cr.App.R. 262; }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 R. v. Sohan Ram Suva}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312  Cr.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 App. No. 138 of 1977); and in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
such circumstances the fact that the offender not only drove when drunk,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
but also drove dangerously should be reflected in the sentences imposed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
\par By virtue of section 38(1) of the Penal Code, a prerequisite to ordering an accused to be absolutely discharged is that, having regard to the circumstances including the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 nature of the offence and the character of the offender, it is inexpedient to inflict punishment - a prerequisite that has no application to the circumstances of this case.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
\par As to disqualification, section 39(2) of the Traffic
 Ordinance provides that if a person is convicted of drunken driving he shall be disqualified for a period of not less than twelve months, unless the court for special reasons thinks fit to order otherwise. A "special reason" within the subsection is one 
w
hich is special to the facts of the particular case, that is, special to the facts which constitute the offence. It is in other words a mitigating or extenuating circumstance, not amounting in law to a defence to the charge, but directly connected with th
e
 commission of the offence and one which a court ought properly to take into consideration when imposing punishment. A circumstance peculiar to the offender, as distinguished from the offence, is not a "special reason" within the subsection. No considerat
ion of financial hardship, or of the offender being before the court for the first time, can be regarded as a special reason (}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 Whittal v Kirby}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312  (1996) 2 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 All}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312  E.R. 552: cf. }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 R. v. Gokul Singh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312  Suva }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 Cr. App. 19/75)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
. Further, if special reasons are being raised by the defence it is not sufficient for the accused or his counsel simply to submit them in an address in mitigation. The proper procedure was laid down in }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 R. v. Lundt-Smith}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312  (1964) 2 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 W.L.R. 1063, namely }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 that evidence on oath should be given by the ac}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 cused of the circumstances put f}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 orward as special reason}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 for not ordering disqualification (}{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 R. v. Indar Naicker}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312  Suva Review 4/78).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
\par In the case before me these requirements were
 not met, as counsel for the appellant simply submitted to the trial Magistrate in mitigation that the respondent was a truck driver by occupation and could not earn a living in any other way - a factor irrelevant to disqualification.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
\par As to count 1, in substitution for the three months}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
 disqualification ordered by the trial Magistrate I order that the respondent be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for a period of twelve months.
\par 
\par As to count 2, the order of the trial Magistrate that the respondent be absolutely discharged is set aside and in substitution therefor, taking into account the respondent's means and the fine imposed on count 1, the respondent is fined $50.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 Clifford H. Grant
\par Chief Justice
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid220312 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid220312\charrsid220312 
\par Suva,
\par 31st July 1970.
\par }}