“.. In sentencing Hallwright, Judge Neave praised his “impeccable character” – and said he had suffered humiliation out of all proportion to his crime.
The judge also criticised the media for taking a perverse and “vulgar” glee in the charges against Hallwright – who was represented by Queen’s Counsel Paul Davison.
“What I know of your character … I consider it highly unlikely you would have driven at him,” Judge Neave told Hallwright.
He criticised the media for referring to the offence as a hit-and-run – saying Hallwright was driving away from the situation – which had been escalated in seriousness by Mr Kim banging on the bonnet.
“[Mr Kim] has gone under the wheels of your car, you’ve driven over him before carrying on with your manoeuvre [of pulling back on to the road],” Judge Neave said.
Hallwright drove off and later called police and returned to the scene after they asked him to.
But yesterday, Mr De Falco, a key court witness, labelled the judge’s comments offensive and ridiculous.
“A hit-and-run is when you run somebody over and then you do not stop the car, and leave the scene. And that’s exactly what [Hallwright]‘s done.”
Mr De Falco said he was in his Mt Eden Rd pizza restaurant when he saw Hallwright knock Mr Kim over and then speed away.
“I think [Judge Neave] really overstepped the mark in his comments.
[Hallwright's] position in society had absolutely nothing to do with what he did.
“[Judge Neave] calls this guy a pillar of society.
A pillar of society is … someone who has done something for society.
What the hell has this guy done for society?..”
(cont..)
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Hit-and-run witness slams judge – National – NZ Herald News.
