Friday, February 10, 2017 « the western weekender
L AW a n d O R D E R From The Courts: Your Complete Legal Wrap COMPILED BY ALENA HIGGINS. OUR COURT REPORTING IS SPONSORED BY LOCAL LAW FIRM COMPLETE LEGAL & CONVEYANCING.
Woman ordered off the road after defying court orders
A senior citizen who openly defied court orders by driving while disqualified three times in as many weeks has narrowly avoided an eight-year ban. Paula Gallagher faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with three counts of driving while suspended and one count of driving an unregistered car. The court heard the self-funded retiree was stopped by police at North St Marys on December 28 after she was detected driving an unregistered car. When questioned by police, the accused disclosed she was subject to a threemonth demerit point suspension and assured police she wouldn’t do it again. She also explained her purpose for driving, telling officers “no one was home and it’s too hot to walk to the shops”. “I’m suspended, I am just going down to the shops to get some things, I won’t do it again I promise, honey,” she said, according to agreed facts. However her vow was short lived, with St Marys police busting the 65-year-old in the driver’s seat again on her way to have coffee with a friend on January 18, after recognising her as she drove past. After being spoken to a second time and declining a lift by police to the train station, she was swooped on again some 15 minutes later as she drove along Brisbane Street. “I’m an idiot, aren’t I?” she remarked. Ms Gallagher was then transported to St Marys train station to prevent any further occurrences. When she faced court for sentence last week, Magistrate Roger Clisdell was suitably unimpressed. “‘I won’t do it again, I promise’ and then you do it twice in one day, within half-anhour,” he said. Magistrate Clisdell said because they were all first offences he would not accumulate the 12-month disqualifications, before also quashing the habitual offender declaration that would have
extended her ban for a further five years. But he said she would have to pay for her total disregard. “You should have kept your first promise,” he said. “I can’t let you off.” She was convicted, fined $1,100 and barred from driving for 12 months.
Man banned from driving for 12 months after street race
A man who drove dangerously while conveying his pregnant sister-in-law to hospital to give birth has been slapped with a hefty fine. Faizan Mehmood, 28, appeared before Penrith Local Court last Thursday after he was clocked doing more than 30km/h over the speed limit. The court heard things went pearshaped when a Toyota Kluger allegedly tried to block the accused’s path, resulting in a high-speed street race. Magistrate Roger Clisdell accepted his explanation but said “nevertheless, when you drive like that you are going to lose your licence”. “Don’t ever drive like that again,” he added sternly. He was convicted, fined $750 and disqualified for 12 months.
Man promises he’s “off the drugs” after $300 fine
Matthew Eric McNeilly has been hit with a fine after being busted with illicit drugs. Mr McNeilly appeared before Penrith Local Court last Friday and pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and methamphetamine. The accused told the court he was now “off the drugs” and looking for work. He was convicted and fined $300.
Woman busted drink driving for second time
Natasha Fiona Kathleen Anderson will be assessed on her eligibility to undertake community service work after plead-
ing guilty to drink driving. Ms Anderson faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with high-range drink driving, her second offence of that kind. The matter was adjourned in order for her to undertake a traffic offender program and to see if she was suitable to complete a community service order. She is due back in court on March 23.
Good behaviour bond for man who took drugs as payment
Wayne Wilson has been conditionally discharged after pleading guilty to possessing synthetic cannabis. Mr Wilson fronted Penrith Local Court last Thursday and told the court he “was silly” and had learnt his lesson. The court heard the accused had taken the drugs as payment for a job. He was handed a 12-month good behaviour bond.
$500 fine and driving ban for disqualified driver
Luke Wright has been stripped of his licence for two years after pleading guilty to driving while disqualified. “There’s not much I can do for you, Mr Wright,” Magistrate Roger Clisdell said when the accused faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday. “That’s what I get,” a resigned Mr Wright said. He was convicted and fined $500.
Sleeping man fails to appear in court on drugs charge
Blake Hansen has been slugged a $300 fine for possessing drugs. Mr Hansen was due to appear before Penrith Local Court last Thursday but “slept in” and entered a written plea of guilty instead. Magistrate Roger Clisdell noted it was his first drug offence before handing down the penalty.
P-plater didn’t read driving suspension letter
Kelly Ann Gilligan has been given the chance to keep her licence after pleading guilty to driving while suspended. The P-plater fronted Penrith Local Court last Thursday and said she wasn’t aware of her suspension. “Did you read the letter?” Magistrate Roger Clisdell questioned. “No,” she said. “What did you do with it? Threw it in the bin?” Magistrate Clisdell said. “I can’t remember,” the accused said. The matter was adjourned to August 10 to see if she can abstain from accruing any more traffic offences.
Heavy fine and driving ban after string of charges
Deng Michael Maout has taken a whack to his hip pocket after pleading guilty to a string of offences. Mr Maout fronted Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with two counts of driving while disqualified, one count of using a false licence and one count of disobeying a stop sign. He was convicted, fined $1,500 and stripped of his licence for two years.
Woman to seek legal advice
Melissa Gardener has had her matter adjourned in order to seek legal advice. Ms Gardner faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with two counts of shoplifting. Her matter was re-listed to February 23. She is yet to enter a plea.
Man facing multiple charges to front court again this month
Aaron John Horsley has had his matter adjourned in order to get legal advice. Mr Horsley faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with a range of offences, including unlicenced driving, speeding, unsecured load, display unauthorised number plates and possess explosives. He is due to face court again on February 23.
We contribute to the Weekender with a weekly legal column. See next page to read more
• Conveyancing and Property Law
• Will Disputes
• Wills, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship
• Business and Commercial Law
• Deceased Estates
COMPLETE L E G A L & C O N V E YA N C I N G
12
4704 9991
• Traffic Law • Family Law
Complete Legal & Conveyancing are happy to offer readers of the Weekender a 20% discount on their legal fees – call today to find out more Suite 11, 354-360 High St, Penrith info@completelaw.com.au • www.completelaw.com.au
WW26278
Call us today for a FREE phone consultation on
• Migration Agents
• Criminal Law