Scone Court Report: May 2019

MAGISTRATE Soars was again exasperated by the level of drink driving within the Scone community saying “someone will have to go to gaol if the message is not getting out there!” On another matter she cautioned how easily people can miscalculate the alcohol they have consumed and go low-range drink driving. Explaining that age, changing metabolism and what people have had to eat can easily change the outcome of a random breath test, encouraging one member of the community who came before her to tell his story and make others more aware. Possibly the most trying matter was a neighbourhood dispute Magistrate Soars tried in vein to resolve and at one point she said, I can’t order you to be good to each other as neighbours although I wish that were the case!”

Matters before the Scone Local Court this month included:

BARKER, Bryson Kenneth, a 24 year old from Scone, pled guilty to charges of larceny and learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/ tester. The offence of larceny was $549 worth of goods from Country Target in Scone including four FIFA 19 Nintendo games, one Just Dare 2019 Nintendo game, one Captain Toad Treasure Tracker Nintendo game, one Mine Craft Nintendo game, one Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo game, one Splatoon 2 Nintendo game, one Pokemon Let’s Go Easy Nintendo game and one Sonic Mania Nintendo game. Mr Barker was convicted given a community corrections order to be of good behaviour for 18 months and must compensation Country Target. On the charge of learner not accompanied by driver/ police officer / tester relating to when he drove in a carpark between Liverpool and St Aubin’s Street, Scone Mr Barker was convicted and fined $250.

BATES, Kelly Ann, a 28 year old from Muswellbrook, failed to appear before the court on a charge of not comply P1 licence – no P plates. The alleged offence relates to when Ms Bates was driving on February 26 on Macqueen Street, Aberdeen. The matter was adjourned until June 20 with a plea to be entered.

BECKINGHAM, Blade John, a 24 year old from Muswellbrook had charges of shoplifting, aggravated break and enter dwelling etc in company steal less than or equal to $60,000, break and enter house etc steal value less than or equal to $60,000 and fail to appear in accordance with bail acknowledgement. The matters were adjourned to Muswellbrook court on June 3.

CARTER, Alex David, a 22 year old from Toronto entered a plea of guilty to charges of hinder police officer in the execution of duty, intentionally mark premises etc without prescribed consent and possess graffiti implement with intent to contravene s4. The offence occurred between 4:45pm and 5:54pm on November 14 in Scone when Mr Carter is accused of using blue spray paint to graffiti four ramps and two areas of bitumen within Scone Skate Park, had in his possession a blue can of “Dy-mark” branded spray paint and hindered Constable Ebony Moore in execution of her duty. Mr Carter admitted to some of the graffiti but claimed he did not do all of it. Further, his solicitor, Mark Diggins, said the paint used was chalk paint which washes off. Mr Diggins further explained it was the kind of paint chalk used by Council’s on roads, so that it washes of easily. Magistrate Soars then mused about where the chalk paint may have been acquired, but she was assured it can be purchased from hardware stores. Magistrate Soars noted the charge was hinder police, not resist police as Mr Carter had not handed his bag over immediately, but cautioned Mr Carter that he had one of two distinct paths to take in his life. “Scone is a funny place, I see some young men and I don’t see them again and some men come back and go into custody…keep going in the direction you are and don’t be one of those young men that when I see them next they are in custody.” Mr Carter was convicted and fined $200 for hinder police, convicted of intentionally mark premises and for intent to graffiti convicted and fined $200.

CHEN, Stephen Eng Yong, a 41 year old from Coogee entered a written plea of guilty for a charge of acquire firearm part without authority to do so.  The offence occurred at approximately 9am on January 1 in Murrurundi, when police stopped Mr Chen for a registration check. Mr Chen had been driving north on the New England Highway. The police facts of the case state that, “police are aware the New England Highway is a known drug trafficking route, and in particular drugs are often conveyed to the northwest, New England and Barwon areas on a Thursday night and Fridays for drug sales over the weekends.” When police pulled over the white pantech truck in Mayne Street, Murrurundi they asked to search the vehicle. Brendan Craig Hoolahan, passenger in the vehicle and co-accused, showed police his back pack and pulled out a sunglass case stating that it was “just his sunnies”, however when police opened it, they found an ice-pipe. They also found a joint in a cigarette packet which Hoolahan admitted was his, a small amount of cannabis in his wallet and another ice-pipe in the glove box. Mr Chen told police there was a bolt from a firearm in the driver’s side door of the truck. Mr Chen explained his late father was a firearms dealer and had roughly 49 firearms registered to him when he passed away. He told police the bolt had been given to him three months ago by a friend of his father’s who was returning it. Police described Mr Chen as being cooperative and appeared to be honest. The matter was adjourned to Penrith on June 7 for sentencing.

COHEN, Sarah Jayne, a 23 year old from Merriwa appeared in court and pled guilty to two counts of drive motor vehicle while licence suspended and not comply with direction to stop/move etc light vehicle. The first offence occurred on April 17 in Merriwa for which she was given a conditional release order to be of good behaviour from 12 months. The second offence occurred when Ms Cohen was seen driving a Hilux ute on Bettington Street, Merriwa and when she turned into Vennacher Street police activated all warning devices and she continued to drive, turning left into MacKenzie Street, then left into Marquet Street without stopping, then drove into her driveway. Police directed Ms Cohen to get out of the vehicle and she refused. Police placed her in a wrist lock and removed her from the vehicle and placed her under arrest. Police noted in their statement of facts that Ms Cohen was known to police for speeding offences, drive whilst using a handheld mobile phone and driving defective vehicle. Ms Cohen was convicted, fined $300 and disqualified from driving for four months. Magistrate Soars cautioned Ms Cohen to stay off the road until she had her licence and noted the aggravating features of the last offence.

DIXON, Monique Louise, a 29 year old from Scone, had a charge of obtain property by deception and dishonestly obtain property by deception. The charges relate to $40.05 worth of E10 unleaded fuel belonging to the BP Service Station in Singleton at approximately 12pm on July 14. The police facts state that Ms Dixon’s EFTPOS card did not work and she was going to return with the money, but didn’t. The matter proceeded in her absence. Ms Dixon was ordered to repay BP and fined $300.

ELDRIDGE, Johnathon James, a 25 year old from Aberdeen had a charge of never licenced person drive vehicle on road – first offence. The offence occurred on March 19 at Perth Street, Aberdeen, when Mr Eldridge was stopped for random breath testing and he was asked to produce his licence. Mr Eldridge failed to appear before the court and the matter was dealt with in his absence. He was convicted and fined $400.

EVELEIGH, Brenda Joy, a 55 year old from Castle Rock pled not guilty to a charge of steal property as clerk/servant greater than $15,000. Ms Eveleigh is alleged to have stolen $49,352.28 worth of property of McLean Mechanical of Scone between October 2, 2015 and March 24, 2016. The matter was adjourned for hearing on July 18.

FAIRWEATHER, Ben Allan, a 38 year old from Wybong pled guilty to charges of drive with high range prescribed concentration of alcohol, posses prohibited drug and drive licence suspended under section 66 fines act – first offence. The offence occurred on April 7 when Mr Fairweather returned a reading of 0.176 at Kelly Street, Scone, was in possession of cannabis leaf and had a suspended licence. The matter was adjourned until July 18.

FERFOGLIA, Nicolas, a 27 year old from Scone appeared in court and pled guilty to a charge of posses/attempt to, prescribed restricted substance. On May 9 Mr Ferfoglia was found to have 9 stanazolol tabets, an anabolic steroid in his possession. He was convicted and fined $350.

FOX, Aaron Steven, a 40 year old from Aberdeen appeared in court on charges of common assault, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm and destroy or damage property. The alleged offences occurred on April 22 in Aberdeen, with a mobile phone and a car key being destroyed. The matter was adjourned until June 20, with a plea to be entered and bail to continue.

GALE, Travis, a 19 year old from Muswellbrook pled not guilty to a charge of police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously and guilty to a charge of never licenced person drive vehicle on road. The matter was adjourned to Tamworth on July 15.

HAWKSHAW, Jack William, a 22 year old from Scone had charges of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm and destroy or damage property. The alleged offences occurred on May 11 in Scone when Mr Hawkshaw destroyed a decorative lantern and a letterbox. The matter was adjourned until June 20 with a plea to be entered.  

HECKENBURG, Darren Garnett, a 44 year old from Scone had a charge of drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol. The offence occurred on April 20 at approximately 9pm on Kelly Street, Scone when Mr Heckenburg returned a reading of 0.144.  Police had been called to the Scone Caravan Park at 50 Kelly Street, Scone regarding a domestic dispute. On arrival they observed a green Mazda Tribute in the caravan park driveway, which then drove across the curtilage of the front boundary of the caravan park onto the public land stopping the vehicle on the footpath, where police observed several people. As police approached the vehicle they were “overwhelmed by the smell of intoxicating liquor emanating from inside the vehicle.” Mr Heckenburg was described by police as having blood shot eyes and slurred speech. He was unable to produce his driver’s licence. Mr Heckenburg told police he had just consumed a drink and police informed him they would wait the mandatory 15 minute period. After returning the mid-range reading he was placed under arrest. Mr Heckenburg told police he began drinking at midday and had consumed five 440ml cans of mixed Bourbon and Cola and two and a half 750ml bottles of full strength beer. Mr Heckenburg was convicted, fined $300 disqualified from driving for six months and given a mandatory interlock period of 12 months.

HICKS, Maxine Gai, a 51 year old from Bunnan had a charge of common assault which is alleged to have occurred at approximately 3:40pm on January 4 in Scone. The matter was adjourned until July 18.

HILBIG, Clarrisa Mae, a 39 year old from Aberdeen had a charge of drive past stationary emergency vehicle speed exceeded 40km. the alleged offence occurred on January 4 at approximately 2:06pm on Macqueen Street, Aberdeen. The matter was adjourned until June 20.

HJORRING, Tony George, a 49 year old from Scone pled guilty to a charge of drive with low range concentration of alcohol. The offence occurred on May 5 on Satur Road Scone when Mr Hjorring returned a reading of 0.054. Mr Hjorring said he had consumed three 330ml bottles of 150 lashes between 5pm and 7:25pm. He will complete the traffic offenders program and the matter was adjourned until June 20.

HOOLAHAN, Brendan Craig, a 26 year old from Emu Plains entered a written plea of guilty for charges of possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs and possess prohibited drug. Two glass pipes used from administering methylamphetamine and cannabis. He was convicted and fined $250 for each offence. Mr Hoolahan was the co-accused in the matter with CHEN, Stephen Eng Yong.

JOHNSEN, Benjamin Michael, a 30 year old from Moobi appeared in court and pled not guilty to charges of not keep firearm safely – not prohibited firearm/weapon and not keep firearm safely – not prohibited firearm/pistol and guilty to a charge of possess prohibited drug. The alleged offences occurred on April 30 in Willow Tree when Mr Johnsen was in possession of a 0.223 calibre Sako firearm and a 0.22 calibre Puma which police alleged was not kept safely. Mr Johnsen pled guilty to having in his possession cannabis leaf. The matters were adjourned until June 20.

JONES, Jared Stephen, a 33 year old from Scone appeared and pled guilty to a low range prescribed concentration of alcohol, breaching a bond on a mid-range prescribed concentration of alcohol offence. Mr Jones had a history of drink driving including a low range offence in April 2004, a high range offence in September 2012 before the current matters of a mid-range offence in February 2018 for which he was given a one year good behaviour bond and another low range offence on January 28 in Merriwa. Magistrate Prowse had previously suspended Mr Jones’ licence for seven months and ordered a presentence report to assess home detention options. Magistrate Soars cautioned Mr Jones that if he slipped up during those seven months then would definitely be looking at full time custody. The Magistrate noted she had made a complaint about community services not being available in Scone and was glad to see it was now possible. Mr Jones was given 80 hours of community service for the drive with low range offence and for the mid-range offence fined $1,000, disqualified from driving for three months with a mandatory interlock period of 12 months. Magistrate Soars told Mr Jones he needs to get assistance, “if you are drinking at all don’t go on the road, it is time to get the assistance you need.”

JONES, Reece Michael a 23 year old from Scone appealed licencing decision. The matter was adjourned until June 20.

KENNEDY, Douglas Ashley, a 26 year old from Scone pled not guilty to four counts of common assault and one count of take action that results in physical injury/sexual abuse. The allegations relate to incidents that range from November 2015 until November 2018. The matters were adjourned for hearing on June 20.

KERRY, Rhiannon, a 25 year old from Muswellbrook pled not guilty to larceny. The alleged offence occurred on December 14 and December 18 when Ms Kerry is accused of stealing one size 3 Cowbaby Cool navy and brown kids cowboy boots, one size 3 CowBaby big chief blue and brown kids cowboy boots property from Marsh Carney valued $109.90. The matters were adjourned until June 20.

KILROY, Reece, a 19 year old from Scone had charges of common assault and enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse. The alleged offences occurred on December 20 in Scone. The matters were adjourned until June 20.

LOUIS, Shane Anthony, a 22 year old from Scone pled not guilty to charges of destroy of damage property, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and stalk/intimidate intend cause fear etc harm. A plea needs to be entered for two charges of use of carriage services to menace. The alleged offences relate to destroyed NSW student identification card, NSW driver’s licence and Commonwealth bank debit card on February 3 in Scone. On January 20 it is alleged Mr Louis committed an assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault. The charge of stalk/intimidate is alleged to have occurred on March 1 in Scone. The offences of use carriage service to menace relate to events on January 20 and March 3. The matters were adjourned until June 21.

MACAULAY, Casey Jonell, a 37 year old form Singleton had charges of handle explosive/precursor without authorising licence and negligently handle explosives to endanger person’s life. The alleged offences occurred on February 14, 2018 in Singleton when Mr MacCaulay was in possession of a number of detonators and Dyno Emolite explosives without appropriate licence and stored them in a manner which could endanger the life of a person. The matters were adjourned until June 20.

MATTHEWS, Jason Raymond, a 45 year old from Scone pled guilty to a charge of possess prohibited drug, which was 4.1 grams of cannabis leaf the alleged offence occurred on February 2 in Cessnock. On February 2 at approximately 10am Mr Matthews drove onto the grounds of Cessnock Correctional Centre with the intent of dropping other people off at the location to visit inmates. Mr Matthews was observed to reverse his vehicle away from the drug dogs a short distance away. Corrective Officers then stopped the vehicle and performed a search and located a small blue plastic container approximately 7cm in diameter with 4.1 grams of cannabis leaf. Magistrate Soars noted Mr Matthews had a history of drug, traffic, property and violence offences. Mr Matthews was convicted and fined $250.

MCDERMOTT, Madison Kaye, a 21 year old from Mount Nathan in QLD, appeared in court and pled guilty to charges of drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol. The offence occurred on March 25 in Richmond when Ms McDermott returned a reading of 0.109. Ms McDermott was convicted, fined $450 and disqualified from driving for 9 months.

MCDONALD, Georja, a 46 year old from Murrurundi entered a written plea of guilty to charges of drive vehicle, illicit drug present in blood, possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs and self-administer/attempt self-administer prohibited drug. The offences occurred on September 19 in Murrurundi when Ms McDonald returned a positive test to methylamphetamine and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and was in possession a plastic bong to administer cannabis. For the charge of drive with illicit drug present Ms McDonald was convicted, fined $300 and disqualified from driving for 6 months. On the charge of possess drug equipment she was convicted, fined $150. Ms McDonald also pled guilty to a charge of custody of a knife in public, on May 21 in Kelly Street, Scone. She was convicted and fined $150.

MCDOUGALL, Steven, a 35 year old from Scone had charges of drive licence suspended, drive vehicle under influence of drugs – second offence and use light vehicle not comply with tyres standard. The offence of drive while suspended occurred at approximately 4:50pm on March 10 in Scone and the other two offences occurred at approximately 1:57am on the M1 near Cooranbong when Mr McDougall returned a positive reading for methylamphetamine and had tyres with less than 1.5mm of tread. For drive while suspended Mr McDougall was convicted, fined $300 and disqualified from driving for three months. For drive under the influence of drugs he was convicted, fined $500 and disqualified from driving for 12 months and for use light vehicle not comply with tyres standard he was convicted and fined $150.

MILLINGTON, Corey Llewelyn, a 24 year old from Murrurundi pled guilty to one count of destroy or damage property, not guilty to another count of destroy or damage property, stalk intend fear and common assault and guilty to drive vehicle with illicit substance. The charges of damage relate to damaging plasterboard in a hallway and the rear passengers door of a motor vehicle. The charge of drive with illicit substance relates to Mr Millington testing positive to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on September 24 at approximately 1:50pm in South Tamworth. Mr Millington was given a 12 month community release order of 12 months for drive with illicit substance and the other matters were adjourned to Tamworth on November 25.

MOORE, Jacob Daniel, a 26 year old from Murrurundi appeared in court and pled not guilty to two counts of common assault. The alleged assaults occurred on April 26 in Scone and April 11 in Singleton. The matters were adjourned for hearing on June 20.

MILLINGTON, Corey Llewyln, a 24 year old from Murrurundi pled guilty to drive vehicle illicit drug present in blood etc – first offence. The offence occurred on September 24 in South Tamworth when Mr Millington tested positive to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Mr Millington was not convicted and given a 12 month community release order. Mr Millington also pled guilty to destroy or damage property and common assault. The property destroyed was hallway plasterboard on November 5 in Murrurundi. He was convicted, must pay $850 in compensation and given a community release order for 12 months. On the charge of common assault, which occurred on November 11 in Murrurundi, he was convicted, fined $400 and given a community release order of 18 months.

MITA, Rangi Paiaka, a 38 year old from Cooroy QLD had a charge of drive, licence suspended under s 66 fines act – second offence in Scone on February 11. The matter was adjourned until June 20.

MURPHY, Jill Margaret, a 52 year old from Murrurundi appeared on charges of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm etc, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous and common assault. The charge of stalk/intimidate relates to matter on August 13 and was adjourned until July 19. The matters of drive recklessly and common assault occurred on August 31 and was adjourned until September 20. The charge of drive furiously occurred on August 30 on the New England Highway in Murrurundi and was adjourned until September 20 and common assault was adjourned until September 20.

NEAVE, Christopher Alexander, a 55 year old from Mayfield had charges of drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol, drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, three charges of solo driver rest less than standard minimum time – critical risk, two counts of solo driver rest less than standard minimum time – severe risk, three counts of solo driver work more than standard maximum time – minor risk and one count of solo driver rest less than standard minimum time – substantial risk.  On the charge of drive with middle range concentration of alcohol which occurred on December 7 on Woodford Rd Minmi when he returned a reading of 0.091 after consuming two cans of Woodstock double bourbons, he was convicted, fined $600, disqualified from driving for 6 months and a mandatory interlock period of 12 months. On the charge of drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, which occurred on February 8 in Murrurundi, he was disqualified from driving for 6 months and fined $400. On the nine counts of solo driver not rest less than standard minimum he was fined $300 for six counts.

NOON Trevor v HANDS Phillip and Therese was a cross personal violence order matter between neighbours. Mr Noon alleged he was hit over the head with an iPad during an incident involving his horse grazing on crown land, by Ms Hands. Mr Hands scoffed at the claim in court claiming they would not risk breaking an iPad on him. There were many animated interactions between the neighbours during their hearing including outbursts such as “that’s complete bullshit!” There were arguments about Mr Noon tying the Hand’s gate shut, cross allegations that the Hands had caused harm to Mr Noon’s horses, arguments about if the Hands were allowed to mow the Crown and public land near their property, who had licences to use the crown land, who didn’t have licences to use the crown land, Mr Noon sitting off the boundary fence of the Hands and watching them for extended periods of time. While Magistrate Soars was exceptionally patient throughout there were moments where she seemed exasperated by the arguments of both parties, “I can’t order you to be good to each other as neighbours although I wish that were the case!” “It’s hard to get to the bottom of who is telling the truth – there is verbal abuse on both sides – not sure there was any physical abuse though.” In deciding what orders she could put in place for each party she asked if they wanted to adjourn the matter for six months, at which point Mr Hands became animated and was interrupting the Magistrate, prompting her to say, “Please don’t speak or I’ll have you removed.” However, Mr Hands continued his behaviour and the Magistrate ejected him from the court. Magistrate Soars gave orders which prevented Mr Noon from wiring the Hands gate shut, allowed the Hands to mow for 10 metres from their boundary, suggested Mr Noon get a licence for the Crown land and suggested the Hands consider a restraining order if they felt Mr Noon’s behaviour was of the level of stalk and intimidate. She then warned both parties if they breached the orders they could face two years imprisonment and ended with the sage of advice of you “both need to calm down!”

ORR, Joshua Patrick, a 19 year old from Scone pled not guilty to break enter dwelling – house etc with intent. The alleged offence occurred on January 9 at approximately 12pm on Gundy Road, Scone. The matter was adjourned until June 20.

PARKER, Caine Travis, a 19 year old from Wingen appeared in court and pled guilty to a charge of possess prohibited drug, which was lysergic acid (LSD) on April 4 in Scone. Police were patrolling Scott Street, Scone and searched Mr Parker’s backpack and found a small resealable plastic bag with a small amount of aluminium foil in the right hand shoulder strap of the bag. Mr Parker was not convicted but given a community release order for 12 months.

PARRY, Pamela Francis, a 52 year old from Scone had a charge of never licensed person drive vehicle on road – first offence. The alleged offence occurred on February 15 in Denman. The matter was adjourned until June 6.

PILLIDGE, Edward Francis, a 22 year old form Tarro had a charge of stalk/intimidated intend fear physical harm etc which allegedly occurred on April 11 in Scone. Mr Pillidge was convicted in his absence and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

PINKERTON, William Graham, a 30 year old from Moonan Flat appeared in court and pled guilty to a charge of never licenced person drive vehicle on road – first offence. The offence occurred on March 19 when Mr Pinkerton was driving on the New England Highway in Scone. The matter was adjourned until June 20. Take steps to get your licence.

POLITIS, Nicholas, a 20 year old from Scone had a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The alleged offence occurred on December 20, 2017 in Merrylands West between 12pm and 1pm. The matter was adjourned to July 2 in Fairfield.

POTTER, Stephen James, a 51 year old from Murrurundi had charges of not stop at line at yellow light, solo driver work more than standard maximum time – critical risk and solo driver work more than standard maximum time – minor risk. Mr Potter explained that he was driving in Sydney for a job and was unfamiliar with the area. While he had a truck licence he was also unfamiliar with log requirements and thought he’d fill out the details at Mt White weighing area. Magistrate Soars said the system was very confusing for drivers who were not used to driving long distances and she did not think it was a deliberate act to exceed hours. Mr Potter said he has been unable to stop at the yellow light due to the weight of the truck and high traffic in the area, believing that if he did he would have had to slam on the breaks and could have caused an accident. Mr Potter said he had been “turned off” doing any further work in Sydney. Magistrate Soars said there was a useful app for calculating hours, however most people who employ contractors for that style of work do not educate them on their responsibilities as a driver and she has seen “people get caught out badly”. Mr Potter was fined $250 and $300.

PRUDDEN, Lucy Margaret, a 23 year old from Scone had a charge of drive with middle range concentration of alcohol. The alleged offence occurred on May 4 on Main Street, Scone when Ms Prudden returned a reading of 0.102 after consuming 3 to 4 beers then a vodka and red bull at home. The matter was adjourned until June 20.

RADFORD, Michael Ian, a 27 year old from Scone appeared in court and pled guilty to a charge of high range prescribed concentration of alcohol. Mr Radford said he had consumed 10 schooners of XXXX beer at the Scone RSL on April 13; he began drinking at 4pm and finished at 12:15am before driving home. Mr Radford was stopped by police for a random breath test on Liverpool Street, Scone and returned a reading of 0.162. Magistrate Soars reminded Mr Radford that she was also the coroner for the area and cautioned his night could have ended differently. The Magistrate said while she thought it was a poor decision by someone who seemed to have turned their life around, he had come close to a custodial sentence. Magistrate Soars told him to have zero alcohol from now on. He was convicted, fined $700, a community corrections order for 18 months, disqualified from driving for 6 months and a 24 month interlock period.

ROACH, Christopher William, a 31 year old from Scone entered a written plea of guilty to a charge of drive, licence suspended under section 66 of the fines act – first offence. The offence occurred on March 20 in Scone. He was convicted, fined $200 and disqualified from driving for 3 months.

RUSH, Phillip George, 66 year old from Merriwa appeared in court and entered a plea of guilty to low range prescribed concentration of alcohol. Mr Rush was pulled over by police for random breath testing and it was not the manner of his driving which brought him to the attention of police and he had a reading of 0.073. He had consumed three beers while at bowls. Mr Rush was described as a very active member of the local community and is a retired NSW police officer who had been to a number of accidents throughout his career and understood the ramifications of drink driving and no criminal record. His solicitor said he was highly embarrassed to have gone low range drinking driving and was surprised at the level of alcohol which was present at the time of the RBT. Magistrate Soars said it was an offence which was “far too prevalent in this community in particular” and said Mr Rush’s experience showed “how easy it is to go low range due to age, metabolism, what you eat etc”. Magistrate Soars asked Mr Rush to share his experience in the community, so that more people understood “how easy it is to fall the wrong side of the line, so that people learn something from your story.” Mr Rush was not convicted and given a good behaviour bond for 12 months.

SADLER-POWER, Clare Maree, a 27 year old from Muswellbrook pled guilty to two counts of larceny. The offences relate to goods stolen from Country Target in Scone on November 30 to the value of $106 including one khaki swimming bottoms, one khaki swimming top, one swimming shorts, one black board shorts and one pair of denim shorts. Ms Sadler was not and given a community corrections order for 12 months. The second charge related to $39.95 worth of goods stolen from General Surf Cove Co which was a khaki Stussy bag. Ms Sadler-Power was not convicted and given a community release order of 12 months, with both businesses to receive compensation.

SAUNDERS, Haylee Patricia, a 21 year old from Scone had charges of novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol – first offence and learner driver not display “L” plates as prescribed. The alleged offences occurred on April 19 when Ms Saunders returned a reading of 0.012 on Kelly Street, Scone. The matters were adjourned until June 20.

SMITH, Tyron Haley James, a 39 year old pled guilty to a charge of drive motor vehicle while licence suspended – first offence. Suspension. Mr Smith said he did not receive a letter from the RMS and was under the impression his licence was still current. It was noted it was not the manner of his driving which brought him to the attention of police and that he had gone to the trouble of getting this licence. He was fined $150 and disqualified from driving for three months. Magistrate Soars noted that disqualified or suspended drivers “make up the bulk of people who are in accidents on the road.”

STEEPE, Jason Edward, a 46 year old from Scone had charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and armed with intent to commit indictable offence. The alleged offences occurred on March 30 in Scone at approximately 1:30pm and the weapon was a metal pole. The matters were adjourned until June 20.

TELFER, Callum Robert, a 20 year old from Merriwa pled guilty to a charge of special category driver with special range prescribed concentration of alcohol. The offence occurred on April 4 on William Street, Merriwa when Mr Telfer, a p-platter, returned a prescribed concentration of alcohol reading of 0.043. Mr Telfer told police he had consumed one 750ml long neck of Victorian Bitter approximately 30 minutes before driving and consumed a sandwich with the drink. The police said in their statement of facts that he was aware he should have had no alcohol in his system to drive. The matter was adjourned until June 20.

WATKINS, Gregory Ernest, a 62 year old from Coffs Harbour had charges of enter private land to hunt without owner consent and hunt game on private/public land without consent. The alleged offences occurred on February 2 on Paradise Lane in Murrurundi to hunt deer without a licence. The matters were adjourned until June 20 with a plea to be entered.

WRIGHT, Leonie Jean, a 47 year old from Scone had charges of possess prohibited drug on September 30 in Bunnan in relation to 2.0 grams of methylamphetamine. Ms Wright was convicted and given a supervised community release order for 12months. A charge of use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order occurred on October 8 in Scone. Ms Wright was convicted and given a supervised community corrections order for 14 months. For two charges of possess prohibited drug relating to 1.54 grams of cannabis leaf and 0.61 grams of cannabis leaf she was convicted on each and given a supervised community corrections order of 12 months for each charge. On the charge of resist police/hinder police/incite another to assault/resist/hinder police she was convicted and given a supervised community corrections order of 12 months.

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