Lead-foot ranger caught out again

A WOMAN who continually failed her driving tests and a Queensland park ranger were among 26 people listed to appear in a North Queensland court on a total of 38 traffic-related offences, including drink and drug-driving.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service ranger Cecil John Cole, 41, appeared before the Ingham Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with driving on a suspended licence in Four Mile Rd, Halifax on October 12. He pleaded guilty.

Police prosecutor Len Brown said police checks revealed the licence had been automatically disqualified to March next year after he was caught driving more than 40km/h over the speed limit earlier this year.

He said the defendant had subsequently been placed on a good behaviour bond and allowed to drive but had again been caught speeding.

Mr Brown said Cole told police he was not aware that his licence had been suspended as he had been working away from home for three months and had not checked his mail.

He said police investigations revealed the incident was a police intercept, not a speedcamera fine, and that a review of police bodycam footage showed that his loss of licence had been clearly explained.

Defence lawyer Margaret Crowther said her client, a father of three earning $1500 a fortnight, was negotiating with his employer to undertake non-driving related duties during the six-month mandatory driving disqualification period.

Cole was convicted, disqualified for the mandatory minimum six months, fined $750 and given advice.

“Things can go pretty pear shaped from here, do you understand?” Magistrate Scott Luxton said.

“Yes, Your Honour,” Cole said.