Name lie silly ruse
Driver spins identity yarn
A WHITTINGTON woman was forced to admit the identity she gave police was a lie when officers drove her to her supposed address.
Taylor Berkelaar said she was Lauren Kean, of Highton, when she was pulled over by police last November 5.
The ruse ended when the woman at the Highton address had no idea who she was.
Berkelaar, suspended from driving at the time, told Geelong Magistrates’ Court she gave the false details because she “just freaked out”.
However, police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Siobhan Daly said the woman had been caught driving while suspended twice since then.
One of those offences was committed on notorious Whittington thoroughfare Solar Drive, an error highlighted by her lawyer, Tim Sullivan.
“Driving down Solar Drive (without a licence) is just like shooting fish in a barrel for police,” Mr Sullivan said. “Her behaviour is just ridiculous. she’s got to grow up fast.”
Berkelaar, 24, pleaded guilty to several driving offences and theft charges after she used a credit card stolen during a burglary in Marshall in April.
The court heard she shopped with the card at a supermarket near the burgled home and to buy fish from a neighbouring pet shop.
The offending breached an existing community corrections order, and Mr Sullivan said she had been battling drug issues. “She’s got these crummy boyfriends she keeps going out with,” the lawyer said.
Magistrate John Lesser said the woman’s behaviour was “appalling”. “If you don’t learn this time, you will probably end up in jail,” he said.
Berkelaar was suspended from driving for a year, fined $200 and must complete 225 hours of unpaid community work and attended drug and driving behaviour programs.