Riley James Maingot faced Port Lincoln Special Justice after returning a positive test to THC
A Port Lincoln teenager has had his life turned upside down and now relies heavily on his mum and mates to drive him around, after he was caught drug driving.
Port Lincoln
Don't miss out on the headlines from Port Lincoln. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Read more stories at the Port Lincoln News
- The Advertiser +Rewards – giveaways, offers and competitions
A promising young carpenter has had his life turned upside down and now relies heavily on his mum and mates to drive him around, after he was caught drug driving.
On Tuesday, Port Lincoln carpenter Riley James Maingot appeared before The Port Lincoln Special Justice Court charged with driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs.
Police Prosecutor Mick Hart told the court, around 6pm on May 30 police stopped the 18-year-old for a random roadside drug and alcohol test.
Maingot returned the positive test to cannabis, telling police he had smoked the drug earlier in the day.
The young man was also on a provisionary licence at the time.
Maingot’s lawyer, Justin Slater, told the court the young man was already feeling the effects of his decision to drug drive.
His mum had to rent a property for him in town, so he could continue his work at the “reputable” company he worked at.
“He was residing in Coulta but since has had rely heavily on his mother and friends for lifts to and from work,” Mr Slater said.
MORE NEWS
Children witness horrific Anzac Hwy crash
KI coastline coup buoys $40m seaport fight
‘Still likes the concept of rape’, but wants his freedom
“His mother has also rented out a property in town to make her son’s life a little easier.”
While Maingot was not in court Mr Slater pleaded that the offence was his client’s first and he had simply made a mistake.
“He holds employment working as a carpenter with a reputable company here in town, and has for quite some time now,” Mr Slater said.
Maingot pleaded guilty to one charge of driving a motor vehicle with cannabis in oral fluid or blood, and one count of contravene condition of provisional licence – prescribed drug.
Judge Deb Sykes agreed that Maingot had made a misjudgement, fining him the minimum $900 and disqualifying him from driving for six months and two days.
A conviction was recorded.