Police crackdown on disqualified drivers at court

POLICE have carried out a crackdown on disqualified and drug-drivers leaving the Mareeba Magistrates Court

As a result of Monday’s operation seven people were charged in relation to drugdriving, driving a vehicle with major defects, court disqualified and unlicensed driving, driving with an unrestrained infant and driving on a learner licence while unaccompanied and failing to display L-plates.

Officer in charge Sgt John Ridgway said it was concerning that a large number of people were detected driving to and from the courthouse while affected by drugs.

“It stuns me that people would consume illicit drugs prior to a court appearance and then stand in front of a magistrate whilst affected by drugs,” said Sgt Ridgway.

A 35-year-old Mareeba man attended court in relation to unlicensed driving and was disqualified by the court from driving for three months. The man then left the court, walked across the street and immediately drove his vehicle from the courthouse.

Police intercepted him shortly after and placed him back before the court for driving while his licence was disqualified. The offender was fined and given a four-month suspended sentence.

“The magistrate was very specific in his direction that his licence was cancelled and that there would be serious repercussions if he drove again,” said Sgt Ridgway.