This common mistake is costing parents hundreds
When a Gold Coast mother was pulled over for a random breath test, police ended up fining her for something she never would have dreamed of. Full details
Police & Courts
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Gold Coast parents with young children have been warned to avoid making a common mistake or risk paying hundreds of dollars for an on-the-spot fine.
Pacific Pines mother Addha Nari Zain De Assis appeared at Southport Magistrates Court after a standard random breath test landed her a $1087 fine – but not for drinking.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Greg McKenzie told the court on March 14 this year, Ms Zain De Assis was driving along Pitcairn Way when she was flagged by police to undergo a random breath test.
When police peered into her car, they saw her two-year-old child improperly buckled in his child car seat.
Sergeant McKenzie said: “(Police) looked in the back and observed a two-year-old with no straps over the arms and leaning forward.”
The 38-year-old was immediately served an infringement notice which carries the hefty fine and was charged with failing to ensure the child was restrained.
However Ms Zain De Assis, who represented herself, told the court that her son has a tendency to unbuckle himself as soon as she parks her car.
Ms Zain De Assis said: “I always make sure my son is safe in the car.”
“But when I stopped (sic) the car, he usually removes his own belt.”
The mother said when she explained this to the police officer they appeared to understand her situation but still issued the fine which “shocked” her.
The Pacific Pines woman, who works as a student support service worker for Pacific English Study in Surfers Paradise, told the court that between her and her husband they make a combined weekly net income of approximately $1700.
Magistrate Robbie Davies said: “It’s a small thing you’ve done, and believe me I understand that, but you’ve also put your child at risk.”
“Obviously you didn’t want to put your son at risk (but) the problem is that he wasn’t restrained properly.
“These seatbelts are designed to restrain their arms and legs, to prevent them from going forward if there is a collision.”
Ms Zain De Assis pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted with no further punishment.
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