Drive a motor vehicle furiously, recklessly or at a speed or in a manner dangerous to the public, Section 42(2) Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999 – drive a motor vehicle negligently (not occasioning death or grievous bodily harm), Section 42(1)(c) Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Act 1999 – plea of guilty
Facts:
GOS was charged with two variations of negligent driving, following an incident in which he endangered two parking rangers while trying to drive away from them.
Outcome:
The first charge – driving a motor vehicle recklessly – was unsupported by the evidence. Reckless driving requires a driver to be aware that the manner of driving was reckless, and there was nothing to suggest that GOS possessed such awareness and foresight. The charge of reckless driving was withdrawn following representations by the defence. The defence recommended that GOS plead guilty to the lesser charge of driving a motor vehicle negligently. Following this plea, GOS was sentenced to a relatively lenient fine and the matter was concluded.
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