Man cops drive ban
Business owner faces court over methamphetamine
YOU DID GET YOURSELF INTO THIS POSITION BY YOUR ACTIONS
A NORTH Queensland business owner has been banned from the roads until Christmas after he was caught behind the wheel with meth in his system. Christian Abeleven, 41, faced Townsville Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to driving with drugs in his system while on a probationary licence.
Abeleven’s social media accounts list him as the owner and manager of Ingham based mechanic Doc’s Auto Clinic, which he purchased earlier this year.
Prosecutor Kelly Mythen said police were patrolling Forrest Beach, east of Ingham, when they stopped Abeleven driving about 11pm on Friday, June 11, this year.
Ms Mythen said tests found Abeleven had methamphetamine in his system.
The court was told Abeleven faced court last year facing a charge of driving with a drug in his system.
Defence solicitor Richard Scholl told Magistrate Ken Taylor there was
MAGISTRATE KEN TAYLOR
no allegation his client was under the influence of the drug at the time and asked he impose the lowest possible licence disqualification.
Mr Scholl said Abeleven had hired a driver to avoid any impact the charges would have on his business.
“He understands he has had some difficulties in the past in relation to his use of recreational substances,” Mr Scholl said.
“As a result he has engaged in counselling and rehabilitation.”
In sentencing Mr Taylor said he took into account Abeleven’s early plea, his traffic history and the circumstances of the offending.
“You did get yourself into this position by your actions,” he said.
Abeleven was fined $750 and disqualified from driving for three months.