Aaron Peter Scott Versteegh sentenced for drink, drug and disqualified driving offences

A Mount Gambier man with a ‘shocking history’ and double digit driving offences on his rap sheet has been released from prison and given another chance.

A man with a “shocking history” of serious offending has been given yet another chance after he was found both drug driving and driving while disqualified.

Aaron Peter Scott Versteegh, 39, was found driving while disqualified for the eighth time while he had both methamphetamine and THC in his system on July 20, 2020, a court has heard.

It was also the fourth time the accused had been caught drug driving.

Fronting the Mount Gambier Magistrate Court by video link, Versteegh had his head bowed as police prosecutor Sergeant Stephen Angove argued for his imprisonment.

“Even though he has spent some four months in custody, a further term is required,” Sgt Angove said.

Sgt Angove said there needed to be a deterrent for both drug driving and driving while disqualified.

The Mount Gambier man pleaded guilty to one count of drive under disqualification, one count of drive a vehicle with combination of drugs in fluid or blood and one count of fail to comply with bail.

The Mount Gambier Magistrates Court. Picture: Picture: Tait Schmaal

Versteegh’s defence lawyer Jarrad Sim called for leniency, asking the court to suspend any further jail time.

Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos said she had concerns about his “shocking history” of offending and his attitude towards diversion programs.

“An assessment took place over a course of 60 minutes,” Ms Kossiavelos said.

“Throughout this time Mr Versteegh appeared to be agitated, challenging the purpose or benefits of the program.

“As a result the interview was terminated. I’ve never read that in a report before.”

Ms Kossiavelos also raised he had breached strict home detention bail after methamphetamine and THC were found in his system.

For driving while disqualified Versteegh was handed a further two-year disqualification on top of his already disqualified licence and was handed a $1500 fine.

Despite her concerns Ms Kossiavelos said she “believed in people”, handing down a partially suspended sentence.

Versteegh was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, reduced by four months for time served and the remaining two months were suspended.

He will serve no further time in jail and will not be eligible to apply for a driver's licence until 2024.