Lismore snake catcher Marion Nel fights to keep licence after THC use

The ‘only venomous snake catcher’ in a regional NSW town has fought to keep her driving licence after she was caught drug-driving on her way to pick up her daughter after work.

The only licensed snake catcher in Lismore fought for her driving licence after she was suspended for drug-driving with medical cannabis in her system.

Marion Nel, 48, appealed her suspended licence at Lismore Local Court after being charged with driving with a prescribed illicit drug present in her system.

The Lismore woman was pulled over for a random breath test on Conway St, Lismore, on January 10 while she was on the way to pick up her daughter from her late shift after 10pm.

She tested positive to a roadside drug test and was arrested and taken to Lismore Police station where she was fined $587 and given a mandatory three-month licence suspension.

However she told the court she had a prescription for THC for stress, and so is legally allowed to possess and consume the substance.

Marion Nel, 48, appealed her suspended licence at Lismore Local Court after being charged with driving with a prescribed illicit drug present.

Nel appealed the suspension on the grounds she had a medical prescription for the THC she consumed and required her licence to drive as she was sole caretaker of her family and business.

“I didn’t feel affected by a small quantity of marijuana I had consumed in a vaporiser after a day of work,” Nel – who represented herself – told the court.

“I wish I had rather called someone to go and pick (my daughter) up.”

The only licenced snake catcher in Lismore fought for her licence in court after she was suspended for drug driving with THC she had a prescription for. Marion Nel, 48, appealed her suspended licence at Lismore Local Court after being charged with driving with a prescribed illicit drug present.

Character references written to Magistrate Jeff Linden described Nel as a “steadfast and reliable” friend, family and community member, and her service to the community as a volunteer and a snake catcher as “invaluable”.

“Marion volunteers substantial time, skills and financial resources to helping in the community, primarily with regard to rescuing wildlife and domestic animals, which requires her to drive,” one reference read.

“Marion is also the only venomous snake catcher in Lismore. Not being able to respond to calls could effectively place human lives at risk in situations where a venomous snake is a threat.”

Nel told the court that she had been doing a lot of work pro bono to help members of the community, and hasn’t received any help from government with her struggling business.

“The floods impacted my business because the Lismore community can’t pay for snake removal,” she told the court.

“I really need my licence to get back on my feet and continue my work with snakes and other animals.”

Mr Linden allowed Nel’s appeal, but warned her “You won’t get that again”.

“If you consume an illicit substance you better not drive at all,” Mr Linden said.