Jason Charles Young sentenced for drug driving
A defence lawyer called the prosecution “excessive” for requesting a prison sentence for a repeat drug driver found asleep in his car at a local harbour. Read what the magistrate decided.
Police & Courts
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A Whitsundays man who was found sleeping in his car at a Whitsundays harbour with drugs in his system was facing a prison sentence in court due to his previous history with drug driving.
His solicitor challenged the prosecution, calling their request “excessive”, and arguing the 53-year-old had not actually been driving.
Jason Charles Young was found asleep in a car with methamphetamine in his system at Shute Harbour on December 10.
Prosecutor Lachlan Perry told the court police had found Young in a vehicle parked near the jetty with headlights on and the engine running.
He said Young had a lengthy history of drug driving with five entries in the last five years, and he asked the court to impose a period of imprisonment.
PD Law solicitor Peta Vernon told the court Young had never intended to drive as his partner had picked him up at the airport in Proserpine and they would continue to drive up to Townsville the next day.
Mr Perry told the court there was no record of a partner present while police were there.
Ms Vernon said Young had initially fallen asleep on the passenger seat and had found himself onto the driver’s seat “while sleeping”.
She told Magistrate Michelle Howard what prosecution was asking for was “excessive”, since he was found asleep in his vehicle, not driving.
“He needs assistance, no doubt about that,” Ms Vernon told the court.
[But] he would better be served with a period of supervision.
“He’s willing to accept help to deal with his addiction.”
Magistrate Michelle Howard told Young he was “old enough to have gotten [his] life in order” by now and said he had already been given the opportunity of assistance in the past.
Young pleaded guilty to being on methamphetamine while in charge of a vehicle in front of the Proserpine Magistrates Court.
She sentenced him to six months imprisonment wholly suspended for a period of 12 months and his licence was disqualified for nine months.
The conviction was recorded.
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Originally published as Jason Charles Young sentenced for drug driving
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