Karen Marsters: ‘Double life’ drug driver nabbed high on ice twice
An ice-using Frankston bookshop worker was “leading a double life” until she was caught driving under the influence a second time.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A methed-up motorist caught with ice in her system twice in the space of a few months has told a court she was “ashamed” about her hidden drug life.
Karen Marsters had been suspended for six months in May last year after being issued with a drug-driving infringement notice.
But three months later the Frankston 57-year-old was pulled over by police again, and again tested positive for ice.
Marsters pleaded guilty to drug and disqualified driving charges at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
The court heard police were on routine patrols in Frankston on August 17 this year when they came across Marsters’ car in Fingal Drive.
She was pulled over and tested positive for ice, telling officers she “had a little bit” (of meth) the previous Saturday and she knew she was banned due to the previous drug-driving offence.
From her home Marsters told the court she was embarrassed to have a drug-using double life which her family had not been aware of.
She said she got into ice after being “led down the path” by her flatmates and “not being able to say no”.
Marsters said over the past six months she had changed her attitude and had stopped using drugs.
She said she was employed at a Malvern book shop and was a young persons’ reading specialist, but had struggled to get many hours recently due to Covid lockdown restrictions.
She said when she did get work she found it difficult to deal with the “nightmare” Frankston public transport system.
Magistrate Costas Kilias said a second drink or drug driving offence within 10 years meant a minimum mandatory ban of 12 months.
“I don’t propose to go above that,” Mr Kilias said.
“There was no dangerous driving or interference with other traffic.”
Marsters was convicted and fined $500, and had her licence disqualified for 12 months.
