Court hears Tyrone Phillips in ‘financial hardship’
Former Penrith Panthers player Tyrone Phillips received minimum conviction for drink driving due to “financial hardship”.
Former Penrith Panthers player Tyrone Phillips has pleaded “financial hardship” while facing court for drink driving.
The former NRL winger appeared before Penrith Local Court today to face a mid-range drink driving charge.
In March Phillips failed a random breath test, blowing 0.103.
As a result of the charge Phillips resigned from the Panthers last month.
The court heard that the night before Phillips was pulled over by police in Cranebrook at 3.15am he had been drinking Jim Beam and cola and had his last drink at 11pm.
The maximum penalty for the charge is a 12 month loss of licence and an $1100 fine, and also requires the completion of the alcohol interlock program.
Phillips’ lawyer argued that due to his client’s unemployment status, he could not afford the maximum penalty.
“Seeing as he is not employed and has no income and has found it difficult to find employment, my client is facing severe financial hardship and cannot afford an interlock system,” he said.
The 25-year-old Fiji international player spent three years in the NRL, playing for both Penrith and the Canterbury Bulldogs.
He has also come under scrutiny in recent months over his involvement in the Penrith Panthers sex tape scandal. During which it is alleged footage emerged of him and teammate Liam Coleman engaging in a sexual act that lasts for about five seconds.
Among the character references presented was one from former Panthers chief executive Phil Gould.
Magistrate Miranda Moody acknowledged the argument that in fitting the interlock system Phillips would face severe financial hardship and handed down the minimum sentence.
Phillips was sentenced with a six months suspended licence and a fine of $300. He was also given an exemption from having to complete the alcohol interlock program.
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