Amanda Jane Hindmarsh told police she knew she was unlicensed before driving away

The defendant narrowly avoided jail after being identified as a frequent unlicensed driver by police.

Amanda Jane Hindmarsh pleaded guilty to three offences in the Gladstone Magistrates Court on Friday. ​

A woman who told police she knew she was unlicensed before driving off, appeared in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Friday.

Amanda Jane Hindmarsh pleaded guilty to obstructing a police officer, driving without a licence disqualified by court order and driving a motor vehicle without a driver’s licence.

A court heard that on January 13, around 2.08pm, police were conducting patrols on Toolooa Street, South Gladstone when they noticed a black sedan driving out of the Gladstone City caravan park.

Police checked the registration which showed the owner, Hindmarsh, was unlicensed.

Police took up with Hindmarsh who was unable to produce a driver’s licence and checks confirmed she was disqualified.

When questioned about the offence, Hindmarsh stated she was aware her licence was disqualified and drove away.

Hindmarsh was unable to provide an emergency reason for driving and was issued a notice to appear in the Gladstone Magistrates Court.

Police prosecutor Carl Spargo said Hindmarsh’s offending was aggravated because she would be subject to an interlock device if she had renewed her licence, and the vehicle she was driving did not have an interlock device fitted.

“This would have attracted a six month disqualification period as she had a previous offence of driving without an interlock device fitted to a vehicle in 2019,” Mr Spargo said.

“It is further aggravated because the defendant continued to drive after being charged for the first offence in December and was intercepted again in January.

“The defendant’s attitude towards licensing requirements is extremely poor.”

Acting Magistrate Paul Byrne convicted and sentenced Hindmarsh to two months imprisonment, wholly suspended for 12 months and fined her $450. The conviction was recorded.