The Court of Appeal held that a combined sentence of four months' imprisonment with a two-year Community Corrections Order for dangerous driving causing serious injury (where the offender was distracted by a mobile phone mapping application for eight seconds, exceeded the speed limit, and had cannabis in his blood) was not manifestly excessive, notwithstanding the offender's genuine remorse, early guilty plea, and excellent rehabilitation prospects. The Court emphasised that general deterrence and denunciation of dangerous driving caused by mobile phone distraction warranted the combined disposition, describing the sentence as 'merciful' in the circumstances. The Court also noted the contextual significance that the applicant had himself submitted at first instance that a CCO was the appropriate sentencing outcome.
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