MAN’S RETURN TO ‘STOMPING GROUND’ REIGNITES DRUG ADDICTION PROBLEMS

A MAN charged with evading police has copped a massive fine and received a lengthy licence disqualification after he socialised with the wrong crowd.

William James Pedersen, a 41-year-old man from Mackay pleaded guilty at the Ayr Magistrates Court to driving without due care and attention, driving with drugs in his system, evading police, trespassing, obstructing police as well as possessing dangerous drugs.

Police prosecutor Sophie Roseby said it was a serious example of driving without due care and attention while under the influence of a drug.

Magistrate Peter Smith said Pedersen was charged on Mother's Day, May 9, 2021, for driving without due care and attention, and driving with a relevant drug in his system in Airdmillan.

Mr Smith said Pedersen was charged with evading police, trespassing, possessing dangerous drugs and obstructing police on May 21, 2021.

Tracy Brown, Pedersen’s defence solicitor, said her client had a problem with drugs that originated in his early teens.

“It started with cannabis and alcohol and escalated to methamphetamine in his late teens. He did try and turn that around when he entered the prison system for the first time,” Ms Brown said.

“He has had a period of sobriety, however he has indicated he has also relapsed. He has made significant efforts to address the relapse.

“He did come back to Ayr on Mother's Day to visit his mother. He describes Ayr as his old stomping ground, and this is where his drug addiction began.

“Unfortunately he caught up with former associates during that period and fell back into that addiction.

“He is now back in Mackay and reconnected with his support base.

“He attends nightly AA meetings online, and he has completed one program. He is committed to a further two programs towards the end of the year.

“He has had his mental health plan reviewed by his GP, he describes himself as being in a better place and wishes to move forward,” she said.

Mr Smith fined Pedersen $6892 for the evasion offence, $400 for driving without due care, $300 for drug driving, $200 for trespassing and $250 for possession of drugs and obstruction of police.

Pedersen was disqualified from driving or obtaining a driver’s licence for two years and one month.