The appellant appealed his conviction for careless driving contrary to section 130 of the Highway Traffic Act.
The trial justice convicted the appellant after he pled not guilty to the charge.
The appeal court found multiple serious errors: the trial justice effectively directed the appellant to testify, improperly intervened during examination, made inappropriate comments suggesting bias, and provided reasons for judgment that failed to demonstrate application of the proper legal test for credibility assessment.
The trial justice relied on inadmissible expert evidence from a witness not qualified to express the opinions given.
The court found the appellant did not receive a fair trial and that the reasons were insufficient for meaningful appellate review.
The conviction was set aside and an acquittal was entered.
