A judge has suggested prison could be considered for repeat drink-driver Sarah Jane Arrow who crashed into people walking on the roadside at Redcliffs.
The victim, Ben Appleton, was in court to hear the decision of Christchurch District Court Judge Alistair Garland delaying the 45-year-old’s sentencing till September 28 so that submissions could be prepared by the defence and the police.
It is fourth time Arrow has been caught drink-driving, and this time she is charged with drink-driving causing injury.
Judge Garland said the offence carried a maximum of five years’ imprisonment and he was surprised that submissions had not been ordered when Arrow pleaded guilty in May to the drink-driving charge, and a charge of driving in breach of a zero-alcohol licence she had been granted on January 20.
He told the court that he had looked up sentencing authorities and found that sentences imposed ranged from three-and-a-half years’ jail downwards.
“I regret this case cannot proceed today,” the judge told Arrow. “These are serious charges and they require careful consideration by the court, not just for your sake, but also for the sake of the victim and the community.”
He remanded Arrow on renewed bail for the submissions to be prepared and the sentencing to take place.
Police said that members of the public had called police about her driving, because she was reported to be swerving, when she was on Main Road, Redcliffs, about 2.15pm on on March 25.
She failed to take a corner and struck a roadside barrier, which threw two pedestrians off a 2m bank and onto the rocks below.
Her breath test at the scene indicated a level of 1009mcg of alcohol to a litre of breath.
One pedestrian received minor bruises and scratches while the other suffered extensive breaks to both legs, an extensive skull fracture, broken ribs, and internal injuries.
The injuries required on-going treatment and surgery, the police said when Arrow pleaded guilty in May.
Arrow told police she had drunk two glasses of wine before driving and she had the sun in her eyes at the time of the crash.
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