A banned motorist caught driving a vehicle with stolen number plates has avoided spending a month in prison after pleading guilty to the offences.
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Zachary Shane Palmer was sentenced in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court this week for offences that occurred in August.
On the afternoon of August 7, Palmer drove a vehicle bearing stolen plates into the car park of a small shopping complex on Retreat Road in Flora Hill.
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He said he had been dropped off and was waiting to be picked up, but CCTV footage captured him behind the wheel.
Palmer did not hold a licence at the time.
He later told police the car belonged to a friend and he did not know the registration plates were stolen, but did admit to knowing he was not supposed to be driving.
Palmer pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods, the fraudulent use of registration plates, driving while disqualified, and committing an indictable offence on bail.
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Defence lawyer Nicholas Rolfe said Palmer had a relatively limited criminal history, and employment.
Magistrate Patrick Southey convicted and sentenced Palmer to 16 days' imprisonment, which he had already served.
He said Palmer would have faced one month in prison had he not pleaded guilty.
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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.
