It is difficult to accept that he should not, and therefore not take some responsibility for his behaviour. British law has reduced to 11 the age when a child is considered capable of knowing the seriousness of his or her actions. Also this week, a man permanently banned from driving because of three drink-driving convictions was allowed back on the road despite having twice breached an extraordinary licence. Justice Geoffrey Miller decided there were special circumstances which justified reversing the decision of two justices of the peace to cancel the man's licence. It is hard to see how two breaches of an extraordinary licence can be acceptable, whatever the circumstances.
Extraordinary licences are a privilege in the first place.
This decision follows another involving a Carnarvon man with an appalling driving record. He had been convicted nine times for drink-driving and banned for life, and six times for offences to do with extraordinary licences. Magistrate Stephen Wilson allowed him back on the road with another extraordinary licence on the basis that he needed his licence to conduct his lawnmowing business. This decision further stretches the tolerance of both law-abiding drivers and those paying the penalty for less wilful behaviour. It also sends the wrong message to anyone tempted to step outside the conditions of an extraordinary licence by suggesting that a reasonable excuse will afford protection from further punishment.