Paul Robinson: Shoalhaven Heads taxi driver busted speeding trying to catch escaped horse

An off-duty taxi driver has been busted speeding along a regional road on the NSW south coast, in an attempt to catch an escaped horse, a court has heard.

Paul Robinson leaving Nowra Local Court.

An off-duty taxi driver who was busted travelling more than 30km/h over the speed limit in an attempt to catch an escaped horse on the NSW south coast has appealed his fine.

Paul Robinson, 68, was fined $507 for the speeding offence on Bolong Rd in Shoalhaven Heads on September 21 last year, and appeared in Nowra Local Court on Tuesday for his appeal.

Documents tendered to the court reveal the Shoalhaven Heads man was driving his Kia Cerato along the regional road at 7pm, travelling at speeds of 95km/h in the sign posted 60 zone.

Robinson’s lawyer Bret Ford told the court his client was a man who liked to help people “and this personality of helping others brought him here today”.

“My client had received a call that one of his friend’s horses had escaped,” he said.

Mr Ford said the news “freaked” Robinson, who had dealt with an escaped horse on the road in the past.

Paul Robinson was busted speeding along Bolong Rd, Shoalhaven Heads.

“He sped to his friends to try and help him catch the horse, but was caught by police along the way.”

Documents tendered to the court confirm this was the case, noting Robinson was clocked travelling more than 30km/h over the speed limit.

Robinson received his $507 fine in the mail and was informed he would be deducted four demerit points.

When discussing the possibility of the extra demerit points suspending Robinson’s licence for some time, Mr Ford said – given his client’s employment – he “obviously needs his licence”.

“He is a full time taxi driver in the Shoalhaven and has been for some time,” he said.

However, Magistrate Lisa Viney said he “should have known better” given his job.

“You are a professional driver,” she said.

“You should be well aware of the impacts speeding has on the driver and the community.”

Ms Viney also noted, despite being a full time taxi driver, that Robinson’s record was quite poor.

Court documents reveal the 68-year-old man has traffic offences dating back to 1974, ranging from speeding to driving without a licence.

Ms Viney denied Robinson’s appeal due to his “poor” traffic record and the level of speeding.

The taxi driver will need to pay the fine by the end of March.

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