Mount Morgan dad who drove without licence delivers baby in waiting defence

A man busted driving while his licence was suspended has complained to the magistrate about transport for pregnant women in a community more than 30 kilometres from Rockhampton. See what happened to him.

Darren Michael O’Brien represented himself when he pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while his licence was suspended by the State Penalties Enforcement Registry matter was mentioned on November 22.

A man busted driving while his licence was suspended has had his court matter for the incident adjourned until next year after complaining about transport issues regarding pregnant women in a community more than 30 kilometres from Rockhampton.

Darren Michael O’Brien represented himself when his charge of driving while his licence was suspended by the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) matter was mentioned on November 22.

He had entered a plea of guilty.

Police prosecutor, Senior Constable Sarah Rowe, said police intercepted O’Brien about 11.40am on November 8 on the corner of George and Fitzroy streets, with checks revealing his licence had been suspended by SPER on October 26.

O’Brien told the court he was out shopping for baby items when he was intercepted and was unaware his licence had been suspended.

He said he hadn’t changed addresses and had not received the notice of suspension in the mail.

O’Brien said his partner was due to give birth to their second child in two weeks’ time and he was the only option to get her to the hospital for the birth.

“Mount Morgan ambulance will not take a pregnant lady to the hospital,” O’Brien told the court.

“Mount Morgan hospital does not take pregnant ladies unless it‘s literally about to come.”

He said he had sorted out the issue with SPER, having set up a payment system, and the suspension had been lifted.

O’Brien said he worked at the bakery in Mount Morgan.

After Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale inquired about other options, O’Brien told the court they had no family members or friends that they could either stay with in town closer to the hospital around the due date or rely on to drive them to the hospital from Mount Morgan when the time comes.

Mrs Beckinsale said O’Brien faced a minimum one-month disqualification period and with the baby due in that time, it was problematic.

“There’s a precedent where someone argued that driving their wife in labour to hospital was an emergency (while unlicensed) and the court ruled that it was not,” she said.

Mrs Beckinsale adjourned O’Brien’s matter until January

Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Dr Emma McCahon said CQ Health’s dedicated maternity unit staff were committed to ensuring appropriate and safe birthing arrangements for all families.

“Expectant mothers experiencing transport challenges or extenuating circumstances are encouraged to contact their midwifery team for advice,” she said.

“If necessary, arrangements can be made to accommodate women closer to Rockhampton Hospital prior to the birth to ensure their safety.”

Queensland Ambulance Service declined to comment.