A P-plater caught driving for a second time with drugs in his system has been warned that decisions like his lead to the loss of lives.
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David Scott Wilkins pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Thursday to testing positive to drugs within three hours of driving, speeding, and not carrying his licence as a probationary driver.
The court heard the 27-year-old was intercepted on the Calder Highway at Derby after a police officer clocked his speed at 116 km/h on February 9.
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When Wilkins was pulled over, he failed to provide his licence and said his partner had it, to apply for houses.
A preliminary oral fluid test detected the presence of illicit substances and a second test confirmed it.
Wilkins said he had taken one and a half ecstasy tablets two days prior and thought they would no longer be in his system.
Magistrate Sharon McRae noted this was Wilkins' second drug-driving offence.
"You might think, what's the big deal? The big deal is people are dying and being injured as a result of this," Ms McRae said.
Wilkins apologised for his actions.
Ms McRae cancelled Wilkins' licence and disqualified him from driving for the mandatory minimum of 12 months, effective from Thursday.
She also convicted him and fined him $800, plus court costs.
Ms McRae warned Wilkins that if he committed another drug-driving offence, he faced a jail sentence.
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.
