Michael John Morris sentenced for driving unlicensed in Coolum
A Coolum Beach man who was on parole for his role in a killer crash has fronted court once again after he was busted behind the wheel on his way to the shops.
Police & Courts
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A Coolum Beach man who was on parole after his dangerous driving left one woman dead was caught behind the wheel again while on his way to buy an avocado, a court has heard.
Michael John Morris, 35, pleaded guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on October 4, 2022, to one count of driving without a licence after being disqualified by a court order.
Police prosecutor James Allen said Morris had been on parole for a separate matter, where he’d been sentenced to seven years in prison for dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.
Mr Allen said Morris had been driving in Coolum Beach on July 17, 2022, after he thought the period of driving suspension was over.
“It lacks a sufficient regard for the victims of his offence for what he was on parole for at the time,” he said.
“Even if he can get a licence which he can’t do until July 2024, then he’s even subject to an interlock until 2027.”
Morris’ lawyer, Kylie Ward, said her client had called Queensland Transport and “believed he had a licence” after his SPER suspension ended in August 2021.
“He drove to the corner store to get his daughter an avocado,” Ms Ward said.
The court heard Morris, who owns a concreting business, had been following his parole requirements before this incident.
“There was no speeding involved, there was no alcohol or drugs involved,” she said.
Magistrate Stephanie Tonkins said Morris needed to take the “consequences” of parole seriously.
“You need to be very sure about your parole situation and you need to be very serious about your licence situation, not a phone call but having a licence in your hand is what’s required,” she said.
“It sounds like you’ve done an amazing job getting your life on track.
“The only thing that’s saving you from prison is there was no alcohol or drugs or speeding.”
Morris was sentenced to six months in prison, which was wholly suspended for two years.
He was also disqualified from driving for two years.
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Originally published as Michael John Morris sentenced for driving unlicensed in Coolum
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