HKSAR v. HO KAM CHEONG

HKSAR v. HO KAM CHEONG

On the objective test in section 36(4) the appellant's driving fell far below the standard of a competent and careful driver: credible eyewitness and MVE evidence established excessive speed, failure to keep proper lookout, late braking and inadequate evasive action which caused the pedestrian's death; the bias...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
HKSAR v. HO KAM CHEONG
Parties
Appellant: Appellant; Respondent: Respondent
Court
Court of First Instance
Jurisdiction
Hong Kong
Judgment Date
25 June 2010
Case Number
HCMA139/2010
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence in the Court of First Instance
Outcome
Appeal against conviction dismissed; appeal against sentence allowed in part
Legal Topics
Dangerous Driving Causing Death, Appeal Against Conviction, Allegation of Judicial Bias, Sentence Mitigation and Disqualification
Source Language
en
Criminal Law Road Traffic Law Sentencing Law Procedural Law Dangerous Driving Causing Death Appeal Against Conviction Allegation of Judicial Bias Sentence Mitigation and Disqualification

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Appellant

Appellant

Respondent

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence in the Court of First Instance

  1. 1 Whether the appellant's driving fell far below the standard of a competent and careful driver (dangerous driving)
  2. 2 Whether the Magistrate showed bias or created an appearance of bias depriving the appellant of a fair trial
  3. 3 Whether the conviction was unsafe or against the weight of the evidence

Ratio Decidendi

On the objective test in section 36(4) the appellant's driving fell far below the standard of a competent and careful driver: credible eyewitness and MVE evidence established excessive speed, failure to keep proper lookout, late braking and inadequate evasive action which caused the pedestrian's death; the bias allegation was unfounded; the conviction stands, the imprisonment sentence is appropriate but the three-year driving disqualification was not justified and is reduced to two years.

Court Disposition

Appeal against conviction dismissed; appeal against sentence allowed in part

Orders

  • Conviction for dangerous driving causing death upheld
  • Sentence of 12 months imprisonment confirmed