Cyclist racks up 32 tickets for no helmet

HAVING already copped 32 separate tickets for failing to wear a helmet, it’s probably debatable whether an appearance before Toowoomba Magistrates Court will force cyclist Peter John Jannusch to don the approved safety headgear.

In his latest transgression, the 29-year-old had been pulled up by police while riding without a helmet on Bridge St on May 7, the court heard.

Asked why he wasn’t wearing a helmet, Jannusch told police he had a helmet

Sergeant Tony Costa: He has 32 infringement notices for the same thing.

but never wore it, police prosecutor Sergeant Tony Costa told the court.

“He has 32 infringement notices for the same thing,” Sgt Costa told Magistrate Damian Carroll.

Asked by Mr Carroll why he didn’t wear a helmet, the self-represented Jannusch replied: “They don’t suit me. Don’t like them really”.

Asked if he had a family, Jannusch said he had a partner but no family “yet”.

He was non-committal when Mr Carroll asked him what would become of his partner should he be knocked off his bicycle and left with a head injury.

Describing his failure to wear a bicycle helmet as “grossly irresponsible”, Mr Carroll reminded Jannusch that the maximum penalty for the offence was a $2200 fine.

Jannusch pleaded guilty to the charge.

Mr Carroll fined him $500 but gave him no time to pay and ordered he complete 25 hours of unpaid community service instead.