A judge's frustration with a "mistake" in the law boiled over in the Wanganui District Court yesterday.
Judge Andrew Becroft described as scandalous a situation arising from the Land Transport Act 1988 that compels judges to impose extended periods of disqualification on motorists convicted of disqualified driving. Before the act was rewritten 15 months ago judges could impose alternative community-based sentences.
"Because of a continuing omission to correct what was either oversight or omission that option is no longer available," Judge Becroft said.
"Every judge in New Zealand has pointed out the error in the act and nothing has been done about it. Frankly, that is scandalous ... "
His comments were made during the sentencing of Wanganui man Phillip Tamati Patu, 46, on a disqualified-driving charge. Judge Becroft further disqualified him.
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