Liffey man caught behind wheel without a licence despite being legally blind
Even the magistrate was briefly shocked when a man charged with driving without a licence revealed he was legally blind. Read the details of the case >>>
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A 21-year-old has shocked a magistrate in Launceston over a driving charge.
On Monday at Launceston Magistrates Court, Charlie Lee appeared at court over two driving offences, one for driving without a licence and the other for driving in a public place making unnecessary/unreasonable noise.
As the police prosecutor read out the facts of the case, it seemed to be a standard case of hoon driving.
On January 12, police officers were on a look out for hooning cars after hearing a car revving earlier in the evening in Blackwood Creek.
They came across a purple Ford on Liffey Road, there were dark burn out marks in the area.
Police talked to Lee who was in the driver's seat.
It was when the police prosecutor read what Lee said when talking to police, that it became immediately apparent that the case was out of the ordinary.
Even Magistrate Ken Stanton briefly looked mildly shocked when it was revealed Lee was legally blind.
Lee said he was legally blind but could still see some things.
He told police he couldn’t get a licence because of this.
The court heard there were two occupants in the car.
Lee’s defence said Lee had an interest in cars but was unable to get a licence.
He was currently rebuilding a motor he had taken apart.
Lee had also tired to be a part of some driving clubs but was refused due to his vision impairment.
She noted Lee was legally blind but didn’t require aides like a cane or assistance animal.
His vision meant things people could be at a 9 metres distance, Lee could see at a 6 metre difference.
Magistrate Stanton was sympathetic the man would be “frustrated” in being unable to pursue his interest in cars with his vision impairment.
“Keep it within your capabilities,” Mr Stanton warned Lee.
“Driving in these circumstances would create more risk than someone without your vision impairment.”
Lee was fined $400.
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Originally published as Liffey man caught behind wheel without a licence despite being legally blind
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