RISK

Commenting on media reports of events at magistrates` courts can be a risky undertaking  for a J.P. blogger.  Only those present at the time would have heard the full facts and circumstances  of the case.  However, taken to its logical conclusion, that caveat would appear to prevent any reasoned comment at all.  That IMHO is plainly ridiculous.  And on the surface it seems odd, to say the least, that a recidivist drunken driver whose previous similar offence had resulted two years previously in an immediate custodial sentence was subject recently  to a custodial sentence suspended plus the usual accompaniments to such an offence. But as I began this post; although comment can be risky I find it hard to recollect my being on a bench where similar escalating or repeat offending be it drunk driving, theft or assault did not result in an escalation of sentencing.

Addendum:
It is interesting to note that police speak reaches all parts of the country.  My area is not alone in hearing the description given by the police officer involved (paras 4&5 of report)……. “the driver’s eyes were glazed and bloodshot…….she could smell intoxicating liquor on his breath”.