Cherilyn Goldstone: Jordan Springs woman fined three times for using mobile phone

A western Sydney mum caught using her phone while driving three days in a row has got more than she bargained for when she pleaded with a magistrate for leniency over her fines.

A western Sydney mum caught by traffic cameras illegally using a mobile phone while driving three days in a row got more than she bargained for when a magistrate increased her fines.

Cherylin Goldstone opted to seek leniency for three infringement notices for driving while using a mobile phone, with the incidents taking place on April 4, 5 and 6.

The 35-year-old faced Magistrate Bree Chisholm at Mt Druitt Local Court for sentence on Monday.

The Jordan Springs mother of three argued in court she needed a licence to pick up her children from school and see her daughter, who lives on the other side of Sydney.

“The phone is one of the main sources of distraction,” Ms Chisholm said. “Three consecutive days, you clearly weren’t paying attention. In the pictures, you have the phone in your hand, and your eye line is down.”

Cherilyn Goldstone outside Mt Druitt Local Court.

Ms Chisholm said Goldstone’s traffic history demonstrated multiple examples of inattention.

“I know you have to get your kids to school, but it’s not an excuse,” Ms Chisholm said.

“It doesn’t mean you can put others’ lives at risk, it’s dangerous – if you lose your licence, it’s a matter for you,” Ms Chisholm said.

Goldstone had hoped to avoid conviction and financial penalties in bringing her tickets to court – but Ms Chisholm upheld all three convictions for all three fines.

She upheld the first fine of $357, increased the second to $400, and increased the third to $457, for a total of $1207.

The offences attract five demerit points each, meaning Goldstone accrued 15 demerit points which the court heard would lead to a demerit point suspension.