Former Glenroy Central Primary School teacher Matthew Trovato pleads guilty to driving with MDMA in his system

A former Glenroy primary school teacher caught driving while disqualified and with MDMA in his system has claimed he unknowingly consumed the drug after drinking spiked punch at a bucks party.

Former Glenroy primary school teacher Matt Trovato said ‘Spiked’ bucks party punch led to MDMA driving charge. Picture: Facebook

A former Glenroy primary school teacher caught driving while disqualified and with MDMA in his system has claimed he unknowingly consumed the drug after drinking spiked punch at a bucks party.

Matthew Trovato was nabbed driving on CityLink in Brunswick West in November last year, despite his licence having been disqualified for eight months just two months earlier.

The former teacher was then asked to take an oral drug fluid test which came back positive for MDMA and his car was impounded.

Fronting the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday, Trovato, who represented himself said he was not aware he had meth in his system because the punch at a bucks he attended the night before had been “spiked” with MDMA.

He said he would not have consumed drugs “willingly” because he was undergoing mandatory urine drug tests every week.

“Under no circumstances would I put drugs in my system,” he said.

“Last year has been difficult time for myself and two children and family. I have lost my way a little.”

Asking the court to show him leniency, the former Glenroy Central Primary School teacher said he had been an “outstanding member of the community” for 46 years. 

”I have worked with children for 23 years but my chances of going back to the profession are (slim),” he said, adding he had no source of income since August last year and was $7000 in debt. 

“I’m currently employed by the Department of Education but am suspended without pay … I can’t pay any fine,” he said.

Judicial Registrar Angela Rankin said things had gone “wrong” for the primary school teacher who now wanted to get a job in traffic management.

“You knew you should not be driving and it was a stupid thing to do,” she said.

“I can see you are extremely remorseful for what happened.”

Trovato was placed on a good behaviour undertaking for one year and his licence was disqualified for six months.

No conviction was recorded.