Scaffolder too busy to turn up for court

A SCAFFOLDER who was caught riding a $12,000 mountain racing bike was too busy working at Commonwealth Games venues to attend court, he has claimed.

Matthew Merrett, 34, yesterday walked from Southport Magistrates Court ordered to pay $1000 in compensation for the bike and $2200 in fines.

He pleaded guilty to multiple charges including receiving tainted property, failing to appear in court, driving without a licence and driving an unregistered and uninsured car.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Nicole Conditsis said in October last year a $12,000 mountain bike was stolen from a Taringa home.

Just days later a West End shop owner saw Merrett ride past on the customised bike, which belonged to a friend. The shop owner got Merrett’s details and asked for him to pose for a photo with the bike.

The court heard on February 12, Merrett was pulled over on Reedy Creek Rd in Burleigh Waters and found to be driving without a licence.

The Hyundai Getz he was driving also had expired plates which belonged to a LandCruiser. Days later Merrett was pulled over at Nerang while driving without a licence.

Merrett failed to appear for a set court date twice and handed himself in to police on Saturday.

Defence lawyer Mollie Roper, of Cooper Maloy Legal, said Merrett had not appeared in court as he was unable to get time off his job as a scaffolder due to work relating to the Commonwealth Games.

She said the bike had been loaned to him by a friend.