A MOUNT Gambier man who drove his friend’s vehicle without a valid driver’s licence has been sentenced to six months imprisonment.
William Roland Yates, 41, appeared via video-link in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court to be sentenced for driving unauthorised.
The prosecution said Yates was stopped on Jubilee Highway East at 4pm on April 11 for a driver screening test.
Checks revealed he had never held a driver’s licence in Australia and the vehicle was impounded.
The defendant’s lawyer said Yates’ friend had given birth to twins and they were having difficulty with their vehicle.
He said Yates agreed to fix it as an act of kindness.
The defendant picked the vehicle up from their house and when he was driving it back to his property he was stopped by police.
“He knew he shouldn’t have been driving, he was just helping out a friend,” the defendant’s lawyer said.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson highlighted the defendant was on parole at the time of the offending and as a result breached the conditions.
The prosecution requested reimbursement of impounding costs, but Magistrate Anderson accepted the fact the defendant had a limited capacity to pay any money.
Impounding costs were reduced to $400.
Magistrate Anderson said the offending was another mark on Yates’ long list of criminal activity and ignoring court orders.
The defendant’s lawyer said his client had vowed to change his attitude and be better role model for his son.
“You will drive when you feel the need to,” Magistrate Anderson said.
“Your own behaviour has set an example for him.”
Magistrate Anderson sentenced Yates to six months imprisonment backdated to commence on July 21.
His driver’s licence was also disqualified for three years on release from prison.
