Visiting doctor 'could be fired' over Boxing Day crash in Otago

Thursday, 22 February 2018

A married doctor who visited New Zealand with his girlfriend was worried being photographed by media in court would impact his medical career.

Things went from bad to worse for Kansei Uno, of Japan, when he appeared before Judge Kevin Phillips in the Dunedin District Court on Thursday over a crash he caused in Otago on Boxing Day.

His lawyer, Cate Anderson, opposed photographs being taken in court, saying the images could be picked up by Japanese media and he would be forced to resign.

'That is a matter entirely for the persons he is employed by,' Judge Phillips said.

Uno, 54, was involved in a crash on the Lindis Pass on December 26, injuring himself, his female companion, and three members of the Miller family from Lumsden.

Uno appeared in court a week after the crash and was allowed to fly home with his injured partner after paying a $30,000 bond.

At his sentencing on Thursday for careless driving causing injury to four people, the court heard his female travelling companion was not his wife, but his girlfriend.

Uno, an associate professor at the University of Tokyo Hospital, appeared in the dock with his head bowed as a translator told him media had been granted the right to take photographs.

Judge Phillips said there was strong public interest in Uno's case, particularly as overseas tourists driving rental cars 'without proper skills' put other motorists 'at risk' on New Zealand roads.

He rejected an argument that Uno would suffer 'draconian consequences' if his photograph was taken in court.

The judge acknowledged Uno 'may face difficulties at home', but said his victims faced difficulties 'right now'.

Judge Phillips said it was extremely fortunate the Miller family did not have 'death and mayhem' inflicted on them as a result of the crash.

Uno and his girlfriend arrived in Auckland before flying to Queenstown on Christmas Day.

A change in their flights meant they were unable to find accommodation in the area, so they decided to drive to Mt Cook.

Uno felt tired on the trip and briefly pulled over about 30 minutes before the crash. He continued driving, but fell asleep at the wheel and over-corrected when he hit gravel, colliding head-on with the vehicle containing the Miller family.

Uno's passenger suffered fractures, while the Millers suffered a range of injuries including bruising, whiplash, and fractured ribs.

Anderson said her client, who accepted fault, could pay any reparation sought by the court.

Judge Phillips said Uno's medical background meant he would be well-versed in 'injury and accident'.

He ordered Uno to pay $15,000 in reparations to the Miller family and disqualified him from driving for 12 months.

Uno is due to return to Japan on Friday afternoon.