Charanjit Singh-Shokar
Causing serious injury by dangerous driving *
Sentence
2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 25 rehabilitation activity requirements, 180 hours unpaid work, 120 days alcohol abstinence monitoring, 4 year driving ban
On February 1, 2024, at around 6pm on St Williams Way, Rochester, a 30mph road, Charanjit Singh-Shokar drove his Volvo S60 at significant speed while over the alcohol limit (126mg in 100ml urine, limit 107mg) and traces of cocaine in system, rear-ending Vanessa Wilkins' Kia Sportage which had pulled out from Fairlead Road junction. The impact propelled her vehicle 30 metres, flipping it onto its side, damaging a parked car and garden wall. Wilkins suffered eight broken ribs, two fractured vertebrae, collapsed lung, blood clots, requiring a week in induced coma and nearly a month in hospital; she has 30% lung capacity and heart damage. Defendant stayed at scene, assisted, but failed breath test. No charges for cocaine. Wilkins unable to drive, suffers ongoing pain and exhaustion.
Pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol. Judge considered impact on defendant's children and prospects of rehabilitation. Warned of immediate custody if reoffends within 2 years or fails conditions. Lack of insight into offending noted.