A man has been convicted of manslaughter following a devastating incident that resulted in the deaths of three people. Justice Sunil Sharma delivered the ruling against Paul Elijah Sorby, who faced three counts of manslaughter and two counts of dangerous driving that caused serious injuries.
The case unveiled that Sorby was intoxicated when he was driving two passengers from Naidovi to Lomawai Village on April 20, 2018. While driving on the Queens Highway near Batiri, he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic and collide with another car.
The crash tragically took the lives of Manoa Devo, Lusiana Nawakatutu, and Titilia Vunawena, who were traveling in the other vehicle. In addition to the fatalities, Sorby’s passengers, Losalini Bainimua and Peni Kalinisei, were injured and required extensive hospitalization.
Upon the arrival of an officer at the scene, Sorby expressed regret for the incident, stating, “Officer, I am sorry, I just slept.” This admission became a vital aspect of the prosecution’s case and underscored the seriousness of his actions while under the influence.
Justice Sharma emphasized that the defense could not provide any reasonable doubt regarding Sorby’s guilt on all five charges. Sentencing is scheduled for next Wednesday.
This case highlights the critical hazards associated with driving under the influence and the severe repercussions of irresponsible actions. It reinforces the importance of promoting road safety and responsible driving habits. The community may use this tragic event as a catalyst for meaningful conversations on prevention strategies and the collective responsibility of maintaining safety on the roads.
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