A Cowra man was told he has “very much tested the court’s patience” when he appeared last week charged with driving while his licence was suspended which resulted in breaches of two court bonds.
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The court also told the man Brook McKoewn he faced a jail sentence if his behaviour was repeated.
McKeown, 29, of Courallie Street in Cowra had driven in March last year after losing his licence for failing to pay traffic fines.
He was previously before the court in December last year but had left before his matter was heard.
The court heard that McKeown is currently on Centrelink benefits and had come to terms to pay his overdue fines from his benefits.
McKeown has also since regained his licence but that the motor vehicle he owns is currently unregistered.
His solicitor told the court he is unable to register the the vehicle due to his financial situation.
Finding McKoewn, guilty of driving while his licence was suspended, magistrate Michael O’Brien said: “When your driving privileges are revoked, that is exactly what it means. You cannot drive”.
“The penalty for this offence carries a maximum fine of $5500, 12 months full time imprisonment and 12 months disqualification.
“That is how serious the court takes this offence.
“You’ve been in this position before and know the consequences of driving without a licence,” he told McKeown who sat in court with his head bowed.
“If you offend you pay the penalty and if you fail to pay the penalty your driving privileges are stripped from you.
“If you continue to drive in defiance of that you face the prospect of having your freedom taken away from you as well.
“Is there anything I have said that you do not understand?
“To your credit you have done something about your fine defaults and have had your driving privileges returned to you.
“It is for that reason that I am not considering imposing a custodial penalty.
“But if there is a repeat of this behaviour it is unlikely to happen again.
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