28 Aug 1997
The magistrate erred by imposing substantial fines without making inquiry into the appellant's financial capacity; bail funds are not conclusive evidence of ability to pay; therefore the fines were quashed while the immediate custodial sentence and the enforcement of the existing bond were upheld.
25 Feb 1997
Although the magistrate's immediate custodial sentence was supportable on the material before him, the appellate court allowed the appeal because the newly produced character references and the severe personal and vocational consequences of imprisonment for the appellant demonstrated exceptional circumstances in a first offender with an early guilty plea, justifying substitution of a fine for imprisonment.
11 Nov 1978
Because the facts showed momentary negligence rather than gross negligence or deliberate dangerous driving and there was no proof of racing or actual speed, the court substituted the custodial sentence with a fine while maintaining the disqualification period.