A motorist with a "terrible driving record" has been banned from driving for four years, and is facing the prospect of having his former employer's car impounded for a second time.
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Dane Neil Simmons pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court to driving disqualified and refusing to accompany police for an oral fluid test.
The court heard Simmons was pulled over in North Bendigo last November and a check of his licence revealed he had been banned for 18 months from February 2019.
Simmons underwent a preliminary oral fluid test, which indicated the presence of an illicit drug, but he refused to accompany police for a further test.
Magistrate Alan Spillane noted Simmons had a "terrible driving record" - previous offences included failing a drug test, breaches of an interlock condition, drink-driving and careless driving.
Mr Spillane convicted Simmons and fined him $1000.
Simmons' licence was cancelled and he was disqualified for four years as the refusal was a subsequent drug-driving offence.
Police applied to further impound the vehicle Simmons was driving, which was his then-employer's vehicle.
It was impounded for 30 days at the time of the offence.
This application was adjourned so police could determine whether Simmons owned another vehicle that could be impounded in its place.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
