A Molong man has claimed in Cowra Local Court he didn't realise an interlock order imposed on him for drink driving also applied when he was driving a company car.
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Cameron Ford, 32, of Lee Street Molong appeared in court on April 21 charged with being an interlock licence holder driving a vehicle which wasn't fitted with the device.
"It is clear Mr Ford wasn't snubbing his nose at the requirement imposed by this court and RMS," Ford's solicitor told the court.
"It was a misunderstanding of his obligations, he didn't understand the obligation applied to every vehicle he drives," his solicitor claimed.
"There was nothing untoward about his driving, he was simply pulled in to a random breath test.
"It is something he takes very seriously. His driving record since, what I call the index offence, is unblemished."
Speaking on sentencing Ford's solicitor argued his client had already been "significantly punished".
"He will have to have the interlock imposed in a secondary vehicle, that will yield him further servicing fees until the interlock period is completed.
"That is, in my submission, a significant financial penalty. Given that ongoing financial penalty I submit the matter can be dealt with by a Section 10A, recording a conviction with no further penalty imposed," Ford's solicitor said.
Local Court magistrate Jillian Kiely rejected the request, convicting and fining Ford $550.
"I don't necessarily accept the explanation that he relied on the advice of a friend that he could drive a work vehicle without an interlock device fitted," Ms Kiely said in court.
"He has a poor record going back a long way for driving offences, it's very poor," Ms Kiely said.
Ford had entered a plea of guilty to the offence.