BY MELVILLE TITIULU
The Central Magistrates’ court has imposed a fine sentence of $2,500 on a school teacher who previously pleaded guilty to violating multiple traffic offences in May this year, stating that his actions is a “disregard for the law” and that “as a teacher you should have known”.
Eddie Sau, 40, appeared at the Magistrate court yesterday faced with charges in relation to using an unlicensed motor vehicle, using an uninsured motor vehicle and driving without a valid driving license.
The court on Tuesday this week had earlier heard from Mr Sau that the reason why he used the expired vehicle on the road was because of him finding hard to access bus transport every morning and having to arrive late at the school for work.
Magistrate Joyceth Paile, in delivering her sentence reminded the offender in court, that the traffic offences are “regulatory offences’’, and when one is spotted driving without proper licenses as prescribed by the law, “automatically’’ one is criminally liable for that breach.
Magistrate Paile reminded the offender in court that his vehicle and its third-party insurance had all being expired since 2022.
The Magistrate further reminded the offender that the reason why vehicles need to undergo regular checks is to have it passed so as to avoid traffic related accidents in circumstances whereby a vehicle is deemed defective.
“That is why traffic rules are in place,” Ms Paile said.
The Magistrate reminded the offender that the maximum penalties for using an unlicensed motor vehicle and driving without a valid license both attract a maximum of $5000 fine or six months imprisonment or both; while using an uninsured motor vehicle attracts a fine of $150 or imprisonment for four months, or both such fine and such imprisonment.
The court considered the aggravating features of the offence and the need to deter the high prevalence of road traffic offences in the country.
It also took into account the manner and circumstances in which the offence occurred. Specifically, in the context where the offender committed multiple traffic offences at the same time and the associated risks involved as regards to uninsured vehicles.
“This case warrants an appropriate fine sentence,” the Magistrate said.
Magistrate Paile imposed a sentenced fine of $2,500 on Mr Sau, to be paid to court by no later than June 23.
The fine imposed by the court will serve as a deterrence to like-minded offenders (drivers) bearing in mind that such an amount is not easy to get, the court has told.
In default of payment, Mr Sau will serve an additional six months’ imprisonment at the Rove Correctional Centre, the court has told.
Meanwhile, Superintendent William Foufaka, Director of the National Traffic Department, told Island Sun yesterday that traffic officers will continue to intensify road inspections with view to enhance road safety and compliance within Honiara.
The Police Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the matter while the offender was self-represented in court.
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