Drug driver told to ‘get off drugs’ by magistrate

A man charged with drug driving on two occasions within two months has been issued a stern warning, as well as fines.

Proserpine Magistrates Court, Main Street, Proserpine

AN UNEMPLOYED man has been given a warning after facing two drug driving charges, with the magistrate saying it was “amazing” he had access to drugs if he wasn’t working.

On Monday, Proserpine Magistrates Court was told how Jordon Michael Davis, 26, was stopped by police on March 2, on the Bruce Highway, Proserpine, and again on April 26, in Anzac Ave, Proserpine.

On both occasions, the saliva test proved positive and Davis, from Preston, was taken to the police station where further analysis showed the presence of methamphetamine and Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis), Police Prosecutor Sergeant Emma Myors said.

“On March 2, he said he’d smoked a joint four to five days before and on April 26, he said he’d had an unknown amount of cannabis a few days ago,” she said.

Duty lawyer Peta Vernon said Davis, who pleaded guilty to two charges of driving a motor vehicle while a relevant drug is present in saliva or blood, was currently unemployed.

“He did have work lined up at Dominos but it fell over because of COVID-19. He’s worked in hospitality and construction.

“He doesn’t dispute the content of the facts and he has no prior offending of this type.”

Magistrate James Morton said “for someone who doesn’t work” it was amazing Davis had access to drugs.

“It’s remarkable you don’t have history for this,” he said.

“Take this as a reminder. A big hint would be to get off the drugs.”

Magistrate Morton fined Davis $350 for the first offence, and disqualified home from driving for one month, and fined him $400 for the second offence, and disqualified him from driving for three months on a cumulative basis (total four months). A conviction was not recorded.

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