By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A 27-YEAR-OLD man has blamed drug abuse for an escalation of suspended driving offences, culminating in a police pursuit with his vehicle’s head and tail lights switched off.
David Gasper, of Heyfield, pleaded guilty to several suspended driving charges in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 2 May, as well as to stealing and damaging a $1700 laser and assaulting a person with a staff and tripod in Dandenong in July.
Also in July, he was caught driving suspended in an unregistered vehicle in Tinks Road, Narre Warren, then similarly caught in Kidds Road, Doveton, twice on 3 August.
On 20 February, Gasper – while on bail – was involved in the police pursuit that involved breaking through a road block and driving at a uniformed police officer who had directed him to stop his car in Traralgon.
He was charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, dangerous driving and evading police, as well as failing to have an alcohol interlock and display P plates.
Other charges included two counts of petrol stealing, three counts of driving without an alcohol interlock and three further driving suspended charges from July to December.
Gasper’s lawyer said the accused “unravelled” after caring for a close family member dying of cancer.
A break-up with his partner and three step-children had led to him living on the streets and couch-surfing, the court was told.
Gasper’s alcohol problems were compounded by ice use, but he had now successfully detoxified, the lawyer said.
“He’s gone a long way in a short period with his offending and also gone a long way with his rehabilitation.”
Magistrate Jack Vandersteen took into account Gasper’s successful engagement in a drug and alcohol program which was in some ways more intensive than a corrections order.
“David, you’re very lucky that you or someone else wasn’t killed.
“If you hadn’t engaged in treatment, you would have got an immediate term of imprisonment.”
Gasper was sentenced to a two-year community corrections order with 300 hours’ unpaid work and supervision.
The order included substance treatment and mental health programs.
Gasper was disqualified from driving for four years.
