‘Slow learner’ caught drug driving three times

A YOUNG driver faced court on three drug driving charges less than two months apart.

Melissa Jayne Beal fronted court this week on three drug driving charges

A YOUNG driver held back tears as she fronted court on Tuesday for three drink driving charges less than two months apart.

Prosecutor Senior Constable Jodie Tahana told the court on July 26, Beal was intercepted for a licence and registration check on Condamine St, Dalby where she submitted to a roadside drug test.

Testing positive for a relevant drug, Beal told police she may have consumed the drug, eating a ‘space cake’ at a party a few weeks prior.

She was intercepted again on August 30, driving on Patrick St with a passenger when she submitted to another roadside drug test.

Beal again tested positive for a relevant drug, namely methamphetamine, and her provisional licence was immediately suspended.

Beal was caught behind the wheel just a week later on September 6, and again tested positive for methamphetamine after she told police she hadn’t been using illegal drugs.

Representing herself, Beal told the court she “deeply regretted” driving as she fought back tears. Magistrate Tracy Mossop told Beal she was a “slow learner”.

“You can’t undo your actions … your life is going to be very different for the next two years,” she said.

“You’re paying a big penalty today and will spend the better part of three years without a licence.”

Beal pleaded guilty three counts of driving while relevant drug is present, while holder of provisional licence and one count of driving without a licence. She was fined $1200 for all offences and disqualified for a total of two years and 11 months.

Magistrate Mossop warned Beal she could be risking a possible suspended jail term if she drove while suspended.

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