Busted twice in six weeks
First it was one drug in her system, but the second time it was two
A WOMAN caught drug driving twice in six weeks has been given probation with strict conditions after a magistrate found fines were not a deterrent to her offending.
Acting Magistrate Jason Schubert sentenced Nadia Desley Lukan to 12 months probation with requirements she undergo random drug testing after the 21-year-old pleaded guilty to four charges yesterday.
The Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard police intercepted Lukan about 8.19pm on December 15 last year and checks found her provisional licence had been SPER suspended.
She also tested positive for driving with methylamphetamine in her system.
About six weeks later at 8.40pm on January 28, Lukan was intercepted by patrolling police on Hursley Rd.
She returned a positive roadside drug test, and an analysis later found traces of cannabis and methylamphetamine in her system, the court heard.
Checks found her licence had also expired at that time.
Solicitor Nathan Bouchier, for Lukan, said his client wasn’t aware her licence had been suspended by SPER, and submitted the remaining debt had been repaid within seven days of the first intercept.
Regarding the second intercept in January, Mr Bouchier said his client hadn’t realised her licence had expired at that time, and that she had co-operated with police.
He told the court Lukan had been without a licence since January 28 and had the continued support of her employer.
He submitted Lukan had also taken steps to address her drug use, and asked the court to impose a fine or community-based order.
Mr Schubert noted Lukan’s previous offending including previous drug driving charges, and the fact she had been caught by police twice within six weeks – the second time with two drugs in her system.
Lukan pleaded guilty to one count each of driving without a licence SPER suspension and driving without a licence, and two counts of drug driving.
Mr Schubert ordered Lukan to do 12 months probation for the drug driving charges, and four months disqualification for the other charges.