Matthew Kirchner, 29, Stretton in Beenleigh Court for false nomination of driving fine

A labourer who was fined $1000 for using his mobile phone while driving, falsely nominated another person and suffered the consequences in court.

Matthew Sydney Harold Kirchner, 29, leaving Beenleigh Magistrates Court

A labourer who was fined $1000 for using his mobile phone while driving, falsely nominated another person and suffered the consequences in court.

Matthew Sydney Harold Kirchner was caught using his mobile phone while driving on February 10, 2022 in Coomera.

The penalty was $1000 and four demerit points.

Beenleigh Magistrates Court heard on March 14 that Kirchner, from Stretton, nominated an unknown person to take the penalty.

That person then filed a statutory declaration to the Department of Transport and Main Roads stating they were not the driver.

Kirchner, 29, pleaded guilty to fraud, dishonestly inducing a person to act and obtaining or dealing with another entity’s identification information for the purpose of committing an indictable offence.

Defence lawyer Bruce Affleck said Kirchner had a minor criminal history and needed his licence for work and supporting his family.

“He hasn’t offended since 2020 and is a full time carer for his two-year old son,” he said.

“Mr Kirchner works as a labourer, has steady employment and has previously worked as a trades assistant.”

Magistrate Terry Duroux said this type of offending was becoming far too prevalent.

“This behaviour is too common and strikes at the heart of the administration of justice,” he said.

“It was outrageous behaviour in my view and needs to be punished.”

Kirchner was sentenced to four months prison, wholly suspended for 12 months.

Originally published as Matthew Kirchner, 29, Stretton in Beenleigh Court for false nomination of driving fine