scone.com.auScone Court Report: February 2017
THERE was the usual high volume of drink driving in the community addressed in court, with a steady stream of domestic violence matters.
This month though Magistrate Prowse took exception to a case involving just one seed of cannabis calling it a complete waste of court time and in another case lamented that it is better to lick gravy off your trousers when you get home than take your eyes off the road and end up at a funeral.
Magistrate Prowse also railed against the patriarchal construct that imposes eyeliner and high heels on women to oppress them, declaring himself the most dedicated feminist in the courthouse.
CORONIAL enquiry into the deaths of Timothy George Patrick Morgan and John Anthony Lawler. Legal representatives from Scone RSL, State Rail, the prosecutor’s office and the families of Mr Morgan and Mr Lawler appeared before the court for the mention of the coronial enquiry into the deaths of Mr Morgan and Mr Lawler. Legal representation for the Scone RSL took issue with the scope of the enquiry to include if there was a systemic issue at the Club, but Magistrate Prowse said it was a legitimate line of enquiry considering two people who were grossly intoxicated after leaving the premises were killed. “That’s why we have to enquire into whether there is a systemic issue or ‘has’ been a systemic problem and we need to examine the systems to determine if there is a systemic issue. Whilst your objection is noted it would be a very limited inquest almost to the point of being completely truncated,” said Magistrate Prowse. Magistrate Prowse spoke directly to Mr Michael Lawler, the brother of the deceased, in court to explain why the matter would not be considered until November 1 and 2. “It is a long period until the matter can be heard, but we need to give it proper attention, so we can’t do it on a normal sitting day. We have additional days in the fifth week of each month, but unfortunately there are not many of those this year which means the first opportunity where everyone is available is not until November 1 and 2, but if we need a third day we can scope that at the time,” said Magistrate Prowse.
ANDERSON, Darryl Edward a 60 year old from Wutulla, Queensland had a charge of drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol. On January 20 Mr Anderson allegedly returned a reading of 0.87 after being pulled over by police in Liverpool Street, Scone. The matter was adjourned until March 23 and the Magistrate instructed Mr Anderson’s solicitor to “tell him not to drive because he probably won’t be able to drive back.”
ANDERSON, Leighton a 48 year old from Davenport failed to appear in court on a charge of destroy or damage property and enter enclosed land without lawful excuse. The police prosecutor explained the person had still not been served with a court attendance notice.
AUSTIN, Robert a 27 year old from Merriwa appeared in court on a charge of possess prohibited drug. Mr Austin was found with 4 tablets of Endone 5mg Oxycodone on September 27 in Merriwa. Mr Austin had taken from his mother, who was prescribed the medication. Magistrate Prowse warned “if you are going to take medication it must be yours from the doctor.” The matter was proven and dismissed. The drug is to be destroyed.
BRIGHT, Melanie v REDMAN, James Jack: In a civil case Ms Bright of Scone is suing for damages to her vehicle following an accident at Halcombe Hill on August 25 last year. It is alleged that shortly before 9:15am on August 25 an Isuzu tipper driven by James Redman and owned by Faseas Civil Construction was spilling fuel onto the road surface of the New England Highway. Ms Bright’s sedan came into contact with the spilled fuel, lost traction and collided with the guard rail. The matter was adjourned for hearing on June 22. See related story: Accident at Halcombe Hill.
BROWN, Mitchell John, a 22 year old from Murrurundi presented on a charge of negligent driving. Mr Cameron Gurr alleged he was crossing the road at the intersection of Murulla Street and the New England Highway on June 1 at approximately 6:30pm, when Mr Brown cut the corner hitting Mr Gurr and causing him to land on the bonnet of Mr Brown’s sedan. Mr Gurr’s girlfriend, Jessica Rowlands, was with him that evening also gave evidence. Mr Brown maintained he did not cut the corner as there was a concrete median strip which his Hyundai Excel would not be able to drive over. Mr Brown’s solicitor took issue with how evidence was gathered in relation to the matter including the police not speaking with Mr Brown until five days later and Mr Brown had not signed the statement. Mr Brown said he had been driving slowly because he had just been to the garage to get chips and gravy for dinner and was concerned about spilling the gravy. Magistrate Prowse said he was satisfied the offence occurred and satisfied it was beyond a reasonable doubt. In Mr Brown’s statement to the police he said, “I came around the corner and looked at my phone and heard a bang on my bonnet and looked up and saw the bloke standing in front of my car hitting his hands on my bonnet.” Magistrate Prowse said, “the description could be used in a text book on negligent driving. If there was no other evidence that would almost be sufficient, however there is also the evidence of Mr Gurr, so the matter is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” Magistrate Prowse advised Mr Brown that next time he slipped down to the servo for some culinary delights to make sure he paid attention to the road more than the gravy. “If the worst case scenario is to lick the gravy off your trousers when you get home, that is a much better case than visiting Mr Gurr in hospital, or standing around his grave.” Mr Brown was convicted and fined $400.
CARTER, Alex David a 42 year old from Terrigal pled guilty to a charge of enter enclosed lands without lawful excuse. On August 11, 2016 Mr Carter had been banned from going to Coles supermarket in Scone, but on January 5 between 6:15pm and 6:40pm he visited the store and purchased some paper plates. Staff reported the matter to police who then charged Mr Carter with enter enclosed lands without lawful excuse. The matter was proved but dismissed.
CLARK, Debbie Maree a 50 year old from Murrurundi appeared on a charge of drive with low range prescribed concentration of alcohol. On November 16 last year Ms Clark returned an alcohol reading off 0.076. Magistrate Prowse noted in Ms Clark’s statement that when she was pulled over by police she said, “you might as well charge me, I’ve been drinking.” Ms Clark said she had consumed four or five stubbies of XXXX Gold. Magistrate Prowse asked why she was drinking XXXX Gold, to which Ms Clark explained it was for its low carbohydrate properties. The Magistrate seemed confounded and explained that even if the beverage was low carb the more you drink of it the more carbs you consume, “also, look at you! You don’t weigh more than six or seven stone wringing wet!” The Magistrate also said he had attempted to drink XXXX Gold once, “I did a little experiment and tried to drink one, but I couldn’t finish it, because my self-respect kicked in.” On further enquiry into why Ms Clark drank low carb beer, Ms Clark explained she had diabetes, to which Magistrate Prowse said, “well then that makes more sense! Usually the people who talk about carbs are doing it because it is the in thing, but in your case it makes sense. I think your doctors though might tell you not to drink too much at all with your condition. That’s really why I stopped going to the doctors, they are always telling you to stop drinking and stop smoking,” Ms Clark explained she had learnt a great deal at the Traffic Offenders Program and would not drink drive again. Magistrate Prowse said it was important Ms Clark keep her licence so that she could drive to her medical appointments. The matter was proven and Ms Clark was given a six month good behaviour bond.
COLL, Sharyn Lea a 54 year old from Aberdeen presented on a charge of wilful and obscene exposure in/near public place/school. The alleged offence occurred on February 2 at Nandowra Road, Aberdeen between 7:30pm and 8pm. The matter was adjourned until March 23.
CORNISH, Craig John a 49 year old from Cassilis pled not guilty to a charge of drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol. The offence is alleged to have occurred on December 1 between 6:10pm and 7:30pm on Ancrum Street, Cassilis, when Mr Cornish returned a reading of 0.091. However, Mr Cornish’s solicitor argues that the breath test was unlawful as it was conducted on private land. Mr Cornish had driven into the drive way of private land owned by his passenger Shane Pittman, when the police officer entered the land to conduct the breath test. The police prosecutor said he would like further time to consider the case and was concerned at the interplay that police could be accused of trespass. The matter was adjourned until June 1.
DWYER, Shane James a 30 year old from Tamworth had a charge of drive while licence application refused. The offence is alleged to have occurred on the New England Highway at Willow Tre on December 20, 2016. The matter was adjourned to Tamworth on March 3.
FISHBURN, Thomas Edward a 32 year old from Aberdeen appeared on a charge of possess prohibited weapon. On November 12 in Hexham Mr Fishburn was found with a set of metal knuckle dusters under the driver’s side floor mat. Mr Fishburn was convicted and fined $300; the knuckle dusters forfeited to the Crown.
GILL, Joel Michael a 36 year old from Merriwa appeared in custody on a charge of high range prescribed concentration of alcohol. This offence breached a previous bond for drive motor vehicle during disqualification period. Mr Gill was riding a blue Harley Davidson on the Golden Highway, Merriwa on November 26 when police noted he was travelling at a speed of 139 kilometres an hour in a 100 kilometre zone at approximately 12:40pm on November 26. Mr Gill returned an alcohol reading of 0.153 grams of alcohol per 210 litres of breath. In his police statement Mr Gill said he had consumed 10 stubbies of XXXX beer and 12 stubbies of Jack Daniels and Cola whiskey between 4:30pm on November 25 and 12:20pm on November 26 and had not consumed any food whilst drinking the alcohol. Magistrate Prowse noted other drink driving charges on Mr Gills’s record and described his criminal record as “abysmal”. Magistrate Prowse said, “ the reality is the public needs to be protected from people like you and for these purposes and your proven disposition to drink and the drive you are convicted.” Mr Gill was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of six months, a driving suspension of two years and then an interlock for a period of 48 months. “Don’t drive anything when you get out!” warned the Magistrate.
GODDARD, Raymond James, a 37 year old from Scone pled guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Mt Goddard had thrown a plastic lid which had hit the victim in the head causing swelling and minor lacerations to her face. Magistrate Prowse explained to Mr Goddard the concept of being reckless, “as soon as you let go of something you don’t know where it will end up, even discus throwers get it wrong, that is why there are highlight reels from the Olympics of things that go wrong; even cricketers who train every day to have control over the ball get it wrong, therefore when you throw something it is reckless.” Mr Goddard was convicted and fined $500.
HARTUP, Benjamin John a 40 year old from Belltrees had a charge of drive with low range prescribed concentration of alcohol. The offence occurred on November 27 at approximately 12:33am on St Aubins Street, Scone, with a reading of 0.062. Mr Hartup said he had been at the Royal Hotel for dinner and consumed six schooners of XXXX between 7pm on November 25 and 12:20am on November 26. Magistrate Prowse said the only reason he could fathom that someone would drink XXXX was because it was a mid-strength beer, because it had no flavour whatsoever. Magistrate Prowse said he would forgo the descriptor he really wanted to use and simply described XXXX as hideous. Mr Hartup’s solicitor, Mr Fraser said he had glowing references including one from Anto White, Mr Hartup’s employer who described him as “a working class man with a heart of gold”, noting the reference to the lyrics by Jimmy Barnes. Magistrate Prowse seemed confused and asked who Jimmy Barnes was. Mr Fraser explained he was a well-known Australian singer, but the Magistrate seemed unable to place Mr Barnes and then asked, “oh he’s not that bloke that screaches everything?” Mr Fraser explained he was. “Well then that is explains it, when you said singer I just didn’t think of him,” said Magistrate Prowse. The matter was proven and Mr Hartup was given a good behaviour bond for six months, but instructed not to drink for that period of time. “So the limit applied to you now is ‘0’,” explained Magistrate Prowse.
HERBERT, Murray Ernest, a 27 year old from Aberdeen pled guilty to a charge of drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol. Mr Herbert returned a reading of 0.096 at approximately 1am on April 16, 2016 in Macqueen Street, Aberdeen. Mr Herbert was directed to comply with a mental health plan and the charge was dismissed.
HEATH, Jason Phillip a 30 year old from Bolwarra pled not guilty to a charge of destroy or damage property less than or equal to $2,000 and stalk and intimidate intend fear physical harm. It is alleged Mr Heath intentionally or recklessly damaged a fly screen door at approximately 7pm on January 5 at Scone. The matter was adjourned until April 21.
KEYS, Matthew Laurence a 45 year old from Rutherford had charges of steal cattle to a value of less than $5,000 and less than or equal to $15,000, steal cattle to the value of less than $15,000, steal property as clerk/servant less than or equal to $2,000 and steal property as clerk/servant less than or equal to $2,000. It is alleged Mr Keys stole 123 merino wethers, 30 head of cattle, a Mixall implement, and 396 kilograms of wool from the property of Crown State Pastoral Company. The matter was adjourned until May 19 for hearing.
KONIGSMARK, Reece William Brian a 23 year old from Tacoma South entered a written notice of guilty to a charge of driver not wear seatbelt properly adjusted or fastened. Convicted and fined $75.
LAWLER, Matthew Raymond a 31 year old from Scone had charges of possess unauthorised pistol, possess unregistered firearm-pistol, not keep firearm safely pistol, holder of category A or B licence not have approved storage and holder of category A or B licence not have approved storage. It is alleged that on December 12 Mr Lawler was in possession of a .22 calibre 9 shot pistol. The matter was adjourned until April 20.
McINNES, Christina Elizabeth a 32 year old from Muswellbrook had a charge of larceny for stealing an eyeliner and a box of tampons from Coles in Scone on November 2016 to the value of $21. Magistrate Prowse said, “ hopefully we have got past the social embarrassment of tampons, but why on earth would you steal a highlighter though?” Ms McInnes explained it was an eyeliner and she used it to define her eyes.” Magistrate Prowse said eyeliner was a construct imposed upon women by men and asked if Ms McInnes knew why men wore trousers and women wore dresses. Magistrate Prowse went onto explain it was because men could then run faster and the same theory was behind high heeled shoes. “I can understand the tampons, but I can’t understand the eyeliner. Don’t be sucked in by lecherous men because they can’t cope with you live. If you come across men like that tell them to go away quickly in any direction they like.” The matter was proven and dismissed. “If it had just been the eyeliner you would have been convicted for crimes against females,” added Magistrate Prowse.
MCLOUGHLIN, Aaron James a 23 year old from Muswellbrook presented for sentencing on the charge of special category driver drive with special range prescribed concentration of alcohol. The offence occurred on December 8 on Victoria Street, Murrurundi, with a reading of 0.043. Magistrate Prowse asked if Mr McLoughlin had all ten fingers, to which he said he did. Magistrate Prowse asked Mr McLoughlin, who is an electrical apprentice, if he played electrical roulette whereby he would blindfold himself and stick his finger in electrical sockets to see if they were live. Mr McLoughlin said he did not because it would be dangerous. Magistrate Prowse made the point that he should feel the same way about drink driving. Magistrate Prowse also questioned the amount of alcohol Mr McLoughlin said he had consumed, “because if you add the alcohol content of those two drinks together there is still less than what was in your system; it might be because you look like a greyhound at 70 kilos you are wiry, no pun intended of course.” Magistrate Prowse said he was going to put Mr McLoughlin on “sweat watch”, whereby he would adjourn the matter for nine months to see if Mr McLoughlin can behave himself. The matter was adjourned until November 23.
MUDGE, Bradley Raymond a 39 year old from Tamworth had a charge of drive vehicle under the influence of drugs. The alleged offence occurred on June 7 at Wallabadah where Mr Mudge returned a reading of being under the influence of 0.01 mg/L of amphetamine, 0.30mg/L of methylamphetamine and 0.01 mg/L of morphine. The matter was adjourned until March 23, with a plea to be entered.
NEWMAN, Anthony Robert a 43 year old from Murrurundi pled not guilty to a charge of common assault and stalk intimidate intend fear physical harm. The matter was adjourned until May 19.
POTTER, Stephen James a 49 year old from Murrurundi made an appeal to Local Court on the decision of the Roads and Maritime Services. Mr Potter said he was unaware his licence was suspended while he was still driving. Magistrate Prowse noted Mr Potter’s driving record and suggested perhaps it was a karmic experience. “While the concept of karma is that it does not happen until a subsequent life, people now seem to apply it to this life, anyway it’s a bit like the good old days when you got a whack off your mum and you’d say you didn’t do whatever you were being whacked for, but your mum would say “well then it was for all the other times you didn’t get caught.” So you’ve proven now that you can drive without committing offences and this is all part of my cunning plan, because now that you’ve proven you can adhere to the law you can’t get out of that now can you? I’m rather pleased with myself and even more pleased for you and the community. So the appeal is allowed because you’ve just served a good behaviour period of nearly twice the period of disqualification.”
PRITCHELL, Ashlie Natali Alice a 22 year old from Scone presented on a charge of cultivate prohibited plant. The matter was adjourned until March 23.
RAWLINSON, Darryl John a 41 year old from Scone pled guilty to a charge of possess prohibited drug. Magistrate Prowse was frustrated that this case brought before his court. “I will say this for the benefit of the one member of the press with us and the people in the court room, this is about one seed of cannabis! What a completely and utter waste off court, police, laboratory time, paper, ink and mostly oxygen!! Charged for one seed, count it one seed of cannabis, it is an absolute embarrassment that police are not allowed to whip out their Samsung 7, assuming it does not burst into flames and film the one seed being destroyed. Mr Rawlinson would be given a caution rather than going through this embarrassment of the administration of justice.” Magistrate Prowse then cautioned Mr Rawlinson to check his socks. “You are not supposed to possess a single seed, so make sure you scour your socks thoroughly each night checking there are none in you musty, damp socks which once thrown into the corner could grow a crop!” “This is all just trivial in the extreme!! I order that if the seed can be found it be destroyed and this case is dismissed.”
RICHARDSON, Linda, following mediation with the community justice centre Ms Elizabeth Flaherty felt comfortable to withdraw the application for an apprehended violence order against Ms Richardson. Under mediation there is a confidentiality agreement. See: Scone Court Report – January 2017, Editor Applied for Personal Violence Order.
RILEY, Matthew John a 31 year old from Parkville presented on a charge of drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol. The offence is alleged to have occurred on November 4 at the Willow Tree Hotel carpark where he returned a reading of 0.087. The matter was adjourned until April 20.
ROBINSON, Amber Cody a 21 year old from Scone pled not guilty to a charge of steal dog and larceny of a value less than or equal to $2,000. It is alleged Ms Robinson stole a black and white great dane dog which belongs to Jacob Bailey between 6am on October 28 and 9:30am on November 6. The matter was adjourned until March 24 for hearing.
ROBINSON, Nathan Mark a 33 year old from Scone pled guilty to a charge of holder of category A or B licence not have approved storage. Mr Robinson is a professional roo shooter and while there were no fire arms present in his vehicle, police found four rounds of live ammunition which were not appropriately stored. Magistrate Prowse noted Mr Robinson had no previous firearms offences and had been the holder of a gun licence since the age of 19. Magistrate Prowse asked Mr Robinson to describe the centre console where two of the live rounds were found. “There were about 50 empty rounds in there and as I sorted through I found two were live,” said Mr Robinson. Magistrate Prowse suggested that he needed to operate as a surgeon would and count the scalpels and instruments after they finished surgery to ensure none were left behind. “There was no firearm in the vehicle, so the public harm of the rounds being out on their own is on the lower end of the scale,” said Magistrate Prowse. The matter was proven and the case was dismissed.
RUSSELL, Jason a 33 year old from Scone appeared in court on a charge of common assault. An argument had occurred in relation to the emptying of a rubbish bin. Magistrate Prowse said when he returned home he had no doubt he would need to attend to the chook bucket and would probably need a large degree of nose pegs and holding his breath before he would be able to get it outside. “Having an argument about a bin smelling is stupid!” said Magistrate Prowse. “Here’s a solution, take the garbage bin outside and if it wasn’t your turn, here’s an idea: take one for the team!” Magistrate Prowse suggested. “While ever you are alive you may not commit assault, once you hear the sound of s screw driver going into your coffin, well then you can do whatever you like,” said Magistrate Prowse. “I had aa client who only committed an offence every 18 years, but it formed a very clear pattern, why do you think it was only every 18 years?” Magistrate Prowse asked Mr Russell. “Because he committed murder, went to gaol for 18 years, committed murder, went to gaol for 18 years and so on, he had a pattern and you are in danger of forming a patter and it does not matter how many years are between offences. You need to cut committing assaults out of your life, like an exorcism or an exercision, yes I like that I’ve just made a new word, exercision (turns to reporter) make sure you note that down please; exercision: to cut it out!” Mr Russell was convicted, given a good behaviour bond for none months and to accept the supervision and guidance of community corrections for 10 months.
SAUNDERS, Benjamin Alan a 25 year old from Glenmore Park presented on charges of behave in offensive manner in or near public place or school and resist officer in execution of duty. Mr Saunders confirmed he did not attend the Cassilis rodeo this year, where the offence had occurred. Magistrate Prowse said the Bendemeer Rodeo was coming up but recommended he not attend that either. Magistrate Prowse noted Mr Saunders had been living within the confines of the law and asked him what it was like. Mr Saunders confirmed he had been behaving himself and would continue to do so. Both matters proven and Mr Saunders was given a good behaviour bond for 12 months.
SIECH, Jason Lee a 45 year old from Scone presented on a charge of drive with low range prescribed concentration of alcohol, which occurred in Scott Street, Scone on August 26 when he returned a reading of 0.050. Mr Siech was already on an interlock licence and was given a second order for an interlock device. “You clearly have a significant alcohol problem, what are you going to do about that,” questioned Magistrate Prowse. Mr Siech said he would see his general practitioner and a psychologist. Mr Siech was also fined $900 and disqualified from driving for three months.
SLONE, Kevin a 50 year old from Scone entered a written pled guilty to a charge of drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol. The offence occurred on December 10 when Mr Slone returned a reading of 0.102 in Liverpool Street, Scone. Mr Slone was fined $600 and disqualified from driving for 12 months.
SMITH, Bradley Wayne a 26 year old from Aberdeen pled guilty to a charge of exceed speed by more than 30 kilometres an hour. Magistrate Prowse noted the number of speeding offences Mr Smith had asked if he knew anything about physics. “As you were at the top of the hill going down did you notice the rabbits and trees starting to whizz by quicker?” asked Magistrate Prowse. “You are known for having a lead foot and I notice speeding during the killing seasons of Christmas and Easter, how are we going to get you to stop speeding? Ripping your leg off perhaps, but that could be a bit extreme? OK, I want to you limber up. Are you limber? Now something is about to happen, you know something is about to happen, so you are somewhat ready for something. OK, duck!” said Magistrate Prowse. Mr Smith ducked down in court. “Too late you’re dead, your reaction time was far too slow, by the time you realise something was coming at you you’ve got it all over you.” Magistrate Prowse then reflected on Mr Smith’s service in the rural bush fire brigade. “Have you ever heard of a curate’s egg? It is a mixture of things which are good and bad, which is what you are. You’ve got a bad record, but you also do good things for the community. So I need to consider how the community is best served. If you don’t have your licence for three months and you are needed to fight a fire is that in the best interest of the community? This has nothing to do with your needs, it is the need of the community. Anyway, thank God we don’t have climate change or fires would be much worse,” mused Prowse. The matter was proven and Mr Sith was given a good behaviour bond for 9 months. “Come back here on this bond and you’ll be able to tell us what you will be doing on your 12months off. I drive up anddown the road you were on most days and I really don’t want you coming down it like a demented arrow coming towards me!” said Magistrate Prowse.
SUMPTER, Leone a 22 year old from Merriwa presented to appeal a decision by RMS for a licence suspension. The matter was adjourned until May 18.
SUNDERLAND, Gordon Wayne a 60 year old from Scone presented on a charge of drive with high range prescribed concentration of alcohol which is alleged to have occurred on Gundy Road on January 27 when Mr Sunderland returned a reading of 0.161. A presentence report was ordered and the matter was adjourned until April 22.
TANGINETA, TK a 35 year old from Scone pled not guilty to a charge of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception. It is alleged Mr Tangineta knowingly sold a dog which did not belong to him for $300 to Lenard Davis. Mr Davis was the required to return the dog to the rightful owner which disadvantaged him $300. The matter was adjourned for hearing on March 24.
TAYLOR, Nathan Andrew a 38 year old from South Windsor presented on a charge of inmate possess mobile phone or SIM card. Magistrate Prowse ordered a presentence report and adjourned the matter to Mudgee on April 5.
TIBBEY, Sean Luke Terry, a 28 year old from Muswellbrook pled guilty to enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, two counts of licence expired less than 2 years before, two counts of use unregistered registrable vehicle on road, one count of use uninsured motor vehicle and one count of possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority. Mr Tibbey was ordered to complete the Magistrate’s Early Referral into Treatment program, bail is to continue. Magistrate Prowse directed Mr Tibbey to get his licence reissued and drive lawfully for a while. The matter was adjourned until March 23.
WHITEHEAD, Lachlan Andrew a 21 year old from Scone pled guilty to a charge of larceny. Mr Whitehead had stolen one backpack and one pair of glasses from Fish and Tackle Australia in Coffs Harbour to the value of $110. Magistrate Prowse suggested he was not a criminal mastermind since the offence had been captured on closed circuit television. The matter was adjourned.
WILSON, Lee Anthony a 27 year old from Denman presented on a charge of drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol. Magistrate Prowse noted Mr Wilson seemed to have a bit of a problem with drinking during cricket season and recommended he perhaps consider croquet as a sport. “You seem to think you are David Boon, who still holds the record for drinking the most amount of alcohol on a long haul flight,” said Magistrate Prowse. Mr Wilson’s solicitor argued that in the course of his job Mr Wilson needed to undergo regular breath testing to enter mine sites which he had always passed, so could abstain from alcohol. The Magistrate asked how Mr Wilson was managing to get to work and Mr Wilson explained his parents were driving him. Magistrate Prowse said he hoped his parents were charging him for the service, “well I hope they are not doing it for free, they could claim they are Uber drivers.” Mr Wilson was disqualified from driving for six months and fined $700.
WOOD, Patrick Thomas a 20 year old from San Remo pled guilty to a charge of dishonestly obtain property by deception. The charge pertained to stealing $60 worth of fuel from the Caltex Service station in Merriwa on November 14. Mr Wood was convicted and fined $120.