Shanae Rose Spalding faces Coffs Harbour Local Court after repeatedly driving disqualified

A “stubborn” young Coffs Harbour nursing student who’s been repeatedly booked for driving disqualified was caught behind the wheel again – this time due to “nose bleeds”, a court heard.

Coffs Harbour Local Court heard Shanae Rose Spalding’s car has now been disabled after she repeatedly drove while disqualified.

A Coffs Harbour magistrate has been confounded by a young woman who has repeatedly been caught driving on a disqualified licence.

“You’re very stubborn ... this is probably your last chance,” Stephen Barlow told Shanae Rose Spalding, warning he could send her to prison.

“You’ve got a shocking driving record, but you’re studying nursing – it doesn’t make sense.”

The 20-year-old was spotted at the wheel of a Holden Cruze on Don Patterson Dr about 1.50pm on September 3, Coffs Harbour Local Court was told.

Police checks revealed Spalding’s licence was disqualified until July 12 next year.

Spalding was pulled over and breath-tested, which proved negative.

Spalding was seen driving on Don Patterson Dr, Coffs Harbour.

“I am going to hospital as I’ve had nose bleeds,” she told officers, according to court documents.

Further police checks showed Spalding had been charged with driving while disqualified on four occasions since May.

As a result, Spalding was taken into custody and held for a short time.

On Wednesday, lawyer Lachlan Jackson-Porter told the court his client had experienced challenges getting around town, but has come to accept she should not have been driving.

“That car has been disabled. She doesn’t have access to a vehicle any more,” he said.

Mr Barlow warned: “I’m not going to put her in jail, but next time she’ll go to jail.”

“Prison is a bad place, you don’t want to go there,” he said.

Spalding pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period.

She was convicted, sentenced to a 12-month community correction order and her licence was disqualified for 12 months.

Spalding was ordered to carry out 40 hours of community service.