Jordan Muddle faces Lismore court for dangerous driving, speeding and hooning

An unlicensed driver caught hooning at 45kmh over the limit says he was driving dangerously because he was bored. Now, he’s faced court.

Jordan Muddle, 21, was sentenced in Lismore Local Court for hooning and speeding offences.

An unlicensed North Coast man has been hit with a hefty fine after being caught hooning in a Toyota Camry at 45kmh over the speed limit – because he was bored.

Jordan Muddle, 21, appeared in Lismore Local Court on Monday charged with a string of traffic offences after an ill-fated hooning episode in Grafton in 2021.

The South Grafton man was found guilty and convicted of driving while never licenced, driving dangerously at speed, exceeding the speed limit by an estimated 45kmh, negligent driving, driving with defaced NSW rear number plates, and causing the front tyres of a car to undergo a prolonged, sustained loss of traction.

Muddle was busted between 9.30pm-10pm on April 3, 2021 doing about 95kmh in a 50kmh zone on Prince St in Grafton.

Jordan Muddle, 21, faced Lismore Local Court.

The court heard Muddle was swerving around corners, drifting and generally driving in a manner dangerous to the public.

Muddle was arrested at 7.35pm on April 5, 2021 by Coffs/Clarence highway patrol and remanded in custody for three weeks, before making bail on April 26.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges while behind bars on April 21.

Magistrate Michael Dakin said Muddle’s denial showed no remorse, and a high risk of reoffending.

“Why should (Muddle) retain his liberty?” Mr Dakin said.

“The way he drove while pursued from police … he didn’t care about anybody.

“If he had collided and they were seriously hurt or worse, it wouldn’t be a question of if (he would go to prison), it would be for how long.”

The court heard Muddle did not try to justify his behaviour, but explained he committed the offences because of his level of “boredom”.

Muddle outside court.

“He’s a young man struggling with impulsivity and civility who is still very much at the start of his journey,” Muddle’s defence lawyer said.

Muddle had not been in trouble in the year and a half since the offending, the court heard.

Muddle’s lawyer said he was unemployed, but engaged with a job agency.

“Hopefully that will introduce pro social structures into his life,” he said.

Mr Dakin told Muddle: “Change your behaviour or go to jail … it’s up to you.”

Muddle was sentenced to a three year community corrections order, 150 hours of community service and fined $2250.