A MOUNT Gambier man who left a friend’s birthday party on a child’s motorbike has breached his good behaviour bond.
Hoani Tanatu Wimutu Taipiha, 20, appeared at the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for breached bond, trespass and driving unregistered and unlicensed.
Taipiha, who pleaded guilty to all counts, was seen riding a bike on Hutley Street and surrounding areas on June 12 at around 9:35pm.
The court heard Taipiha was driving an unauthorised, uninsured and unregistered motor vehicle and was not wearing a motorbike helmet securely or fastened.
The prosecutor said Taipiha had never held a license.
Counsel for the defence said he was unable to obtain a licence due to a epilepsy health condition he was diagnosed with three to four years ago.
“The seizures are triggered by stress and he has had multiple in the past 24 hours,” Taipiha’s lawyer said.
“On the night of the offending, he was attending a friend’s birthday party and was feeling overwhelmed due to his health condition.
“He wanted to get out and get some air.
“He admits he could have went for a walk instead and he made a poor decision of riding the bike.”
The defendant’s lawyer said the bike was unable to be licensed or insured as it was designed for children.
She said Taipiha’s capacity to pay any fine was “severely limited”.
Magistrate Maria Panagiotidis told Taipiha although his responsibility was reduced because of his epilepsy, he still breached his bond.
She placed Taipiha on a three month $100 good behaviour bond.
Taipiha was ordered to pay an impound fee of $1375.20 and $1111.50 in levy and court fee costs.
