Home detention for disqualified driver

A MILLICENT man who drove disqualified will serve a period of imprisonment on home detention due to a previous poor history of traffic offending.

Bryan Perry, 35, appeared via video-link in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court to be sentenced for driving disqualified.

The prosecution said at around 2.50am on June 1, police stopped a vehicle being driven by the defendant in Millicent.

Checks revealed he had been disqualified from driving by the court.

Perry told police he was cold and sick of waiting for his girlfriend, so he elected to drive.

The defendant’s lawyer said the facts were admitted.

He said Perry had made full and frank admissions to police when he was picked up.

The defendant’s lawyer revealed Perry was a carer for his mother and a term of imprisonment would leave nobody to look after her.

He said Perry was in a long-term relationship, however his girlfriend was unable to keep caring for his mother, due to her own carer commitments.

Magistrate Teresa Anderson said Perry had been warned on a number of occasions about the seriousness of driving disqualified.

“His girlfriend has been with him for a very long time and he’s kept offending for a very long time,” Magistrate Anderson said.

“His history is littered with references to the fact he has been warned.”

Magistrate Anderson said he drove with complete disregard for the order.

“You continue to drive when it suits you,” Magistrate Anderson said.

Perry was sentenced to eight months and two weeks imprisonment, however 23 days was deducted for time already served.

Due to the fact the defendant’s mother required his support, Magistrate Anderson ordered the seven months and 21 days to be served on home detention.