I read with interest of a recent news report that highlighted a glaring shortcoming of today’s judicial system. An executive editor of a daily read was originally sentenced to 18 months’ jail and slapped with a fine of $12K for injuring a motorcyclist and causing the death of his pillion rider due to dangerous driving. However, the charge was eventually reduced to a one-day jail sentence coupled with a $2K fine after appeal.

Many have voiced injustice at the verdict and expressed their utter dissatisfaction with the ‘light’ sentencing when weighted against the severity of the crime. More have been appalled by the nature at which the accused had claimed that she was unaware that the traffic lights had turned red. She also denied being on the mobile despite eye-witness account and call records proving otherwise at the time of the incident.

In fact, the reduction of fine came about due to the erroneous pressing of charges by the prosecution, while it was not morally right to increase the jail-time to the detriment of the accused in lieu of the mistaken fine. The judge had also emphasized that such ruling was a one-off case and should not set a precedence for such cases in the future. But the infuriation of the masses stems from the practice of double standards and how the law could be bent at will for those in high power positions.

The incident incapacitated the motorcyclist while his pillion rider leaves behind a one-year old daughter. Though the victim has decided not to press civil charges, he shared the sentiments of the masses and expressed disappointment at the sentencing. And while the accused has pledged to donate the additional $10K she was to pay in fine to charity, perhaps a greater act of remorse would be to offer a public apology to the victims and their families, footing the medical bills of the injured, as well as helping the family of the deceased, for example, by establishing a trust fund for the orphaned child’s education.