Edward Clifford Thorogood cops ‘absolute’ driving ban in Gladstone court

A driver with a 12-page traffic history might have gotten away with his latest crime had it not been for a stranger’s unrelated offence at the same spot.

Edward Clifford Thorogood was sentenced in Gladstone Magistrates Court on February 28.

A serial Central Queensland traffic offender whose driver’s licence was “disqualified absolutely” has been busted driving again.

Edward Clifford Thorogood, 43, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on February 28 to disqualified driving.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Merrilyn Hoskins said Thorogood’s latest offence was a “chance find” by police.

She said officers were reviewing CCTV footage as part of an investigation into another matter when they saw Thorogood arrive at a petrol station on the Bruce Highway in the Gladstone region riding an off-road motorbike.

Sgt Hoskins said when police interviewed Thorogood, he said he knew he didn’t have a driver’s licence and he had gone to the petrol station to get milk.

Edward Clifford Thorogood.

The court heard that Thorogood’s driver’s licence was “disqualified absolutely” at the time and he had “a terrible” 12-page traffic history which included offences such as evade police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and multiple disqualified driving offences.

Solicitor Jordan Ahlstrand said Thorogood was a father who was currently providing care for his mother.

Mr Ahlstrand said Thorogood’s partner was in court to support him.

The court heard some of Thorogood’s previous traffic offending was a result of drug use and Mr Ahlstrand said that was not the case this time and he tendered documents to support that.

Magistrate Mary Buchanan sentenced Thorogood to 12 months’ jail with immediate parole release.

Ms Buchanan also imposed another absolute driver’s licence disqualification.

A traffic conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Edward Clifford Thorogood cops ‘absolute’ driving ban in Gladstone court