McKeown, R v [2016] NICA 24 (26 May 2016)

McKeown, R v [2016] NICA 24 (26 May 2016)

The trial judge erred in imposing a three year disqualification and an extended driving test requirement because the risk posed by the appellant was low, the offence was not prescribed for an extended test, and the disqualification should be forward-looking and preventative, not based on the consequences of the offence. A 12 month disqualification is appropriate.

Citation
[2016] NICA 24
Parties
Prosecution: The Queen; Appellant: Patricia McKeown
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Judgment Date
26 May 2016
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Sentencing, Driving Disqualification, Careless Driving, Extended Driving Test, Appeal Procedure

Case Brief

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Parties

The Queen

Prosecution

Patricia McKeown

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Appeal Against Sentence

  1. 1 Whether the trial judge was correct to impose a three year driving disqualification for causing grievous bodily injury by careless driving
  2. 2 Whether the trial judge was correct to impose a requirement for an extended driving test

Ratio Decidendi

The trial judge erred in imposing a three year disqualification and an extended driving test requirement because the risk posed by the appellant was low, the offence was not prescribed for an extended test, and the disqualification should be forward-looking and preventative, not based on the consequences of the offence. A 12 month disqualification is appropriate.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • Disqualification period reduced to 12 months
  • Requirement for extended driving test removed