A former Gladstone scaffolder convicted of driving offences in Gladstone Magistrates Court

A scaffolder was driving solo on a Learner Licence when he was pulled over by police. But officers soon realised a lack of supervision wasn’t the young driver’s only problem.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos - MAY 26, 2023: General view editorial generic stock image of driver learner L-plates. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

A former scaffolder has been sentenced for a number of driving offences after a failed trip to work landed him in trouble with the law.

Dean Leonard McLennan, 25, faced Gladstone Magistrates Court this week.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Merrilyn Hoskins said on June 19, McLennan was intercepted by police conducting registration checks, and when stopped, produced a Queensland Learner Licence.

“No one was seated beside the driver, and (McLennan) said he knew he needed to have someone seated beside him,” said Sgt Hoskins.

“He didn’t have a reason why, other than that he was going to work, and there was no L plates on the front or rear of the car … police thought it would be obvious that if he had the plates on the car it would be more obvious that he had no one seated next to him.”

“Registration had expired on December 7, 2022, and compulsory third-party insurance was expired after more than thirty days.”

“The registration plates belonged to another car … which also had cancelled registration plates.

“Police questioned the defendant about the false plate and he stated that his cousin had put them on the car about a week prior.”

McLennan pleaded guilty to driving an uninsured vehicle, failing to display L plates, driving unsupervised on a learner licence, using a number plate on another vehicle, and driving an unregistered car.

Solicitor Bianca Wieland said McLennan had been employed as a plasterer and a scaffolder and was moving to Maryborough to be closer to his family.

“He has an interview with the army, and he is hopeful that will land him employment and training,” Ms Wieland said

Acting Magistrate Athol Kennedy noted McLennan’s traffic and criminal history had been clear for a number of years up until the recent charges and wished him luck with the defence force.

McLennan was fined $800, and a conviction was recorded.