By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A man has told police he was driving unlicensed so his hungry associate – who was unable to drive due to a broken foot – could get a kebab.
Clint Little, 35, of McRae, was facing his 10th driving unlicensed, suspended or disqualified charge at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 6 March.
He had been intercepted by police at a Hallam convenience store just after midnight on 18 December, the court heard.
The unregistered vehicle was affixed with a stolen rear number-plate, and contained a large amount of tools and equipment which was believed to be for burglaries and thefts, the court was told.
The tools and car belonged to Little’s associate, the court was told.
Little was also charged with driving an unroadworthy vehicle – with four unfit tyres, a broken-off indicator stalk and a tow-bar held on with tape.
The accused told police he wasn’t aware the vehicle’s plate was stolen or different, or that the vehicle was unroadworthy.
Little’s lawyer said the accused at the time was eligible to have his licence returned after a 12-month suspension.
“He hadn’t got around to being re-licensed,” the lawyer said – adding that Little had been “considerably inconvenienced” by relying on taxis and friends to get to work.
Little, who had previously served a community corrections order for similar offending and burglary, should be given “one final opportunity” to avoid jail, his lawyer said.
“An immediate custodial sentence is not the only option.
“Any further infractions would mean Mr Little would almost certainly go to jail.”
Magistrate Julie O’Donnell noted Little’s “extraordinary” amount of prior history, though “the only thing going for him” was he wasn’t disqualified at the time.
“When does the court say enough is enough,” Ms O’Donnell said.
Little was convicted, fined $1000 and put on a 12-month community corrections order with 200 hours of voluntary work.
