Dad disqualified from driving for four years

A NEW father has been warned he will end up in jail if he continues to drive while disqualified, before he was slapped with a fouryear ban.

Mark Francis Robert Hurley, 31, pleaded guilty to two charges of driving while disqualified in the Charters Towers Magistrates Court this month.

Police prosecutor Tasman Murphy said Hurley was stopped by police at 3.10am for a licence check and roadside breath test on Boundary St on February 12 this year.

Mr Murphy said checks showed that Hurley was disqualified from driving on October 12, 2019, and that he was also SPER suspended from July 31, 2019.

He said Hurley was pulled over by police again on March 17, this time on Gordon St.

Defence solicitor Rebecca Hudson said Hurley became a first-time father in June.

She said the qualified chef had no reason for driving in February when he was stopped by police, but did on the second occasion.

“On the second occasion … his partner was pregnant, she was originally driving, and they were driving from Townsville,” Ms Hudson said.

“She had some pains and so he’s taken over halfway.”

Magistrate Cathy Wadley said to Hurley he chose to ignore the court’s order when he was disqualified from driving for five months for unlicensed driving.

“And now you’re going to find yourself with a fouryear disqualification,” Ms Wadley said.

“It makes it very difficult without a licence, but you’ve done it to yourself.”

Hurley was fined $700 and disqualified from driving for two years for the offence committed in February.

For the offence committed in March he was fined $1000 and disqualified for a further two years. Convictions were recorded.

“You take the risk of driving again and you’re risking imprisonment, it’s as simple as that,” Ms Wadley said.