By The woman has a history of drug driving offences, dating back to March 2020, when she was first caught driving under the influence of methamphetamine and cannabis. She was fined $1,000 and disqualified from driving for six months. However, she did not comply with the court order, and continued to drive without a licence.
In October 2020, she was caught again, driving with the same drugs in her system. She was fined $1,500 and disqualified from driving for 12 months. She also received a community corrections order, which required her to undergo drug treatment and supervision. However, she did not comply with the order, and failed to attend any appointments or programs.
In January 2024, she was caught for the third time, driving with the same drugs in her system. She was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including drug driving, driving while disqualified, driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, and breaching a community corrections order. She was remanded in custody and appeared in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on February 8, 2024.
A lack of remorse and responsibility
The woman pleaded guilty to all the charges, but showed no remorse or responsibility for her actions. She told the court that she had been using drugs for 40 years, and that she did not care about the consequences. She also said that she had no intention of stopping, and that she would continue to drive without a licence.
The woman’s lawyer asked the court to consider her age, health, and personal circumstances, and to impose a lenient sentence. He said that the woman had a difficult life, and that she had been abused by her former partner. He also said that the woman had no family or friends to support her, and that she suffered from depression and anxiety.
However, the magistrate was not impressed by the woman’s excuses, and said that she posed a serious risk to herself and the public. He said that the woman had shown a blatant disregard for the law and the court, and that she had wasted the opportunities given to her. He said that the woman had no respect for herself or anyone else, and that she had no prospects of rehabilitation.
A possible jail sentence
The magistrate adjourned the case until February 22, 2024, for a pre-sentence report. He said that he was considering a jail sentence for the woman, as she had exhausted all other options. He said that the woman had to face the reality of her situation, and that she had to accept the consequences of her actions.
The woman was remanded in custody until her next court appearance. She faces a maximum penalty of 18 months in jail and a $19,826 fine for drug driving, and a maximum penalty of two years in jail and a $19,826 fine for driving while disqualified.
The woman’s case is a rare and extreme example of drug driving, which is a serious and growing problem in Victoria and across Australia. According to the Transport Accident Commission, drug driving is responsible for more than 20 percent of road deaths in Victoria, and more than 10 percent of road deaths in Australia. Drug driving is also more prevalent than drink driving, as more drivers test positive for drugs than alcohol.
Drug driving is not only illegal, but also dangerous and irresponsible. It impairs the driver’s ability to concentrate, react, and control the vehicle, and increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Drug driving also affects the driver’s health, wellbeing, and future, as it can lead to criminal charges, fines, licence suspension, jail time, and a criminal record.
Drug driving is not worth the risk, and can be prevented by making smart and safe choices. If you are using drugs, do not drive. If you are driving, do not use drugs. Seek help if you have a drug problem, and support others who are struggling with drug addiction. Together, we can make our roads safer and save lives.