Suspended but still driving– court
A NUMBER of drivers fronted Gympie Magistrates Court this week charged with driving while SPER suspended. Many had their matters adjourned to make submissions to the police prosecutor in defence.
Patricia Maree McPaul, 22, pleaded guilty to the offence of driving while her licence was SPER suspended.
She said she didn't know about the suspension, but admitted to moving address at the time and not informing the debt collecting department.
Her vehicle was stopped by police on the Wide Bay Hwy at Bells Bridge on April 1 and she had the suspension lifted the next day, the court heard.
Her licence was suspended for a further month and McPaul was fined $150.
Joanne Tracy O'Neill, 24, was charged twice for driving while her licence was SPER suspended.
The first time on April 15 in Cross St and the second, on April 26 in Clematis St, included another offence of driving an unregistered car.
When asked why she didn't fix it up after the first time, she replied to the magistrate that she had been strapped for cash.
"I registered the car and fixed up my licence but it all too late," O'Neill said. She was suspended from driving for two months and fined a total of $540.
Other unlicensed drivers who appeared before the court blamed forgetfulness for letting their licences expire.
Levi James, 22, Joshua Jeremy Winkley, 22, and Yvonne Marina Anne Pollock, 32 were all fined $70 for driving with an expired licence.
