Sapphire man pleads guilty to driving while suspended at Emerald Magistrates Court

The Central Queensland driver may spend time behind bars for the non-emergent trip to Emerald.

John Kenneth Hall, 37, pleaded guilty at Emerald Magistrates Court on June 29 to driving without a drivers license, which was suspended due to a high range speeding offence.

A man drove about 60km while his licence was suspended to purchase food and supplies for his 30 animals.

John Kenneth Hall, 37, pleaded guilty at Emerald Magistrates Court on June 29 to driving without a licence, which was suspended due to a High Range speeding offence.

Police prosecutor Michaela Jackson said police intercepted Hall about 4.20pm on May 19 at Clermont Street, Emerald.

Checks revealed his licence had been suspended for six months and Hall told police he was aware of the suspension but had no emergent reason for driving.

Hall, who lives at Sapphire, told the court he was responsible for about 30 animals and ran out of food, water and other supplies at the time of the offence.

“I understand I was already suspended,” Hall said.

“I couldn’t think of another way to get to town to get them.”

Magistrate Robert Walker said there was simply no excuse for driving while suspended.

He said Hall had a significant traffic history with some concerning entries accumulated over a long period of time, although the more serious entries were dated.

From the traffic history, Mr Walker said it was obvious Hall held little regard for the rules that applied to him as a driver.

Hall was fined $550 and disqualified from driving for six months. The conviction was recorded.

He was also committed to appear at Mackay District Court for committing the offence during the period of a non-related suspended sentence issued in March.

“You’ve committed this offence which is punishable by imprisonment during a suspended sentence,” Mr Walker said.