A private school teacher in the Lockyer Valley has appeared in court and lost their licence for two years

Moving 40km closer to work was the only option for a Lockyer Valley teacher who has been taken off the road for years after being busted ignoring an earlier driving disqualification.

Lockyer Valley teacher fined for unlicensed driving, moves closer to work (file image).

A Lockyer Valley private school teacher will relocate 40km closer to work after losing his licence for two years after being nabbed driving while disqualified.

Faith Lutheran College teacher and Fijian national Jeremaia Cakau was initially banned from driving during an appearance in the Cairns Magistrates Court on February 2.

On June 21, police found him driving unlicensed on Brightview Road along the route he was taking to and from work.

Police prosecutor sergeant Narelle Lowe told the court Cakau thought he had a work licence as he had been organising it through the court.

But checks found no such licence existed.

Cakau was represented by Nick Gillece of McNamara Law, who said his 54-year-old client was originally from Fiji and had worked at schools in Lowood and Canberra.

Cakau moved to Australia in 2007, where he undertook additional training to become a qualified teacher in Australian schools.

“He sends money back to his family in Fiji each pay cycle, supporting his wife, children and parents,” Mr Gillece said.

“He has not seen his children or family for two years because of COVID – he suffers a lot of grief with this.”

Mr Gillece said his client was very remorseful about his actions, and knowing he was in court today would have brought great embarrassment to his family in Fiji.

“He is currently living in Fernvale but moving to Plainland next to the school to avoid the travel and risk of re-offending,” Mr Gillece said.

Cakau pleaded guilty to one charge of driving without a licence disqualified by a court order.

He was fined $750 and disqualified from driving for two years.

A conviction was recorded.