Banned driver’s U-turn collision

A WOMAN who once lived in her car with her two dogs, a goat and a chicken has faced court after she crashed her car on the Bruce Highway while disqualified from driving.

Evelynne Mary Geissler collided with her neighbour’s car on April 7 when she exited her driveway on to the highway without giving way to oncoming traffic, in an attempt to perform a U-turn and face her car in the opposite direction on her driveway.

Geissler pleaded guilty to two counts of disqualified driving and a further charge of failing to give way when she appeared in Ayr Magistrates Court this week.

A charge of driving without due care and attention was dismissed by magistrate Ross Mack.

Police prosecutor Acting Sergeant Tim Madsen said police attended the scene after they notice the two damaged cars on the side of the highway.

“(Ms Geissler) stated she was entering the highway when her dog, which was in the car at the time, jumped at her, causing her to put her foot on the accelerator and pull into on-coming traffic,” Sergeant Madsen said.

Defence solicitor Danny Burke said the 55-year-old’s past three years had been a downward spiral after she fled a violent relationship.

“She finally made the decision to leave her partner at the time,” Mr Burke said.

“She was left homeless, living in her car with two dogs, a goat and a chicken.

“The goat does end up becoming a meal, I believe.”

Geissler was fined a total of $1600 and disqualified from driving for four years.