Scott Patterson: Albury father caught driving illegally three times in matter of weeks

A West Albury truckie who had his young daughter in the car when he tested positive to meth, dished up a pretty lame excuse to police. But in the end, even he had to agree he “deserved” to be arrested.

A West Albury father was busted driving while disqualified with meth in his system.

A West Albury truckie busted for a hat trick of driving offences had his young daughter and partner in the car when he tested positive to meth, a court has heard.

Scott James Patterson fronted Albury Local Court heard via video link charged with driving illegally three times between August 6 and September 28.

The court heard the 45-year-old had been disqualified from driving in June, when on August 6 he was pulled over on the Hume Highway near Bowning for a random drug and alcohol test.

Patterson had his partner and young child in the back seat at the time.
When the test recorded a positive for methyl amphetamines Patterson told police: “I haven’t used meth for over four months.”

On August 19, at around 4pm, he was again pulled over, this time for driving “aggressively” along David St in Albury.

The accused told police he was on his way to pick up his daughter, and that he deserved to be arrested due to his lengthy traffic record.

And on September 28, Patterson was caught driving an uninsured, unregistered Triumph motorbike on Ryan Rd.
Police found Patterson did not have, and had never had, a motorcycle license.

He was arrested and remanded in custody.

Defence solicitor Camille McKay said Patterson had had an Intensive Corrections Order placed on him before for disqualified driving, where he had completed the order and community service hours successfully.

“He is capable,” Ms McKay said.
Police prosecutor Jozef Pinkerton argued that an ICO was not a suitable punishment for Patterson.

“He’s been on an ICO for similar offences and it wasn't a suitable punishment to stop him from reoffending,” Sgt Pinkerton said.

Patterson’s partner and eldest daughter attended court, and Magistrate Richard Funston said he would take into account his supportive family.

“Mr Patterson has people who really cares for him. His partner is here they’ve been together for 15 years,” Magistrate Funston said.

“I understand that there’s been trauma in the past and I accept that.

“But why is he using meth amphetamines at his age? Apart from the fact that its against the law.”

Patterson’s partner spoke to the court in his defence, saying he was ready to come home.

“We’re willing to support him 100 per cent, I’ve sold his motorbike and our car,” Patterson’s partner said.

“I have an 18-month-old baby who’s missing her dad.

“His whole attitude is completely different. I think he’s a little bit older and wiser and I think this time he’s learnt his lesson.

“I said I can’t keep doing this if he doesn’t pull his head in.”

Magistrate Funston sentence Patterson to a 12 month ICO with supervision for the two drive while disqualified charges, on the condition that he abstain from drugs.

He received $300 fines for each of unregistered, uninsured, and unlicensed charges, and a $1000 fine for driving with meth in his system.

“I’m going to stick my neck out and give you a chance,” Magistrate Funston said.

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