Tony Smith: Golf club head greenkeeper’s drug driving plea
The chief superintendent of a Tasmanian golf club may lose his job after being convicted a second time of drug driving. THE DRUGS IN HIS SYSTEM >>
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The chief superintendent of a northern Tasmanian golf club may lose his job after a second conviction for drug driving, a court has heard.
Norwood man Tony James Smith, 47, currently the chief superintendent at Mowbray Golf Club, after a previous stint at Launceston Golf Club, pleaded guilty in Launceston Magistrates Court on Tuesday to a charge of drug driving.
The court heard Smith’s white Nissan utility was intercepted at Beatty St, Mowbray, about 9.20am on Monday, July 19 last year.
Analysis of his saliva confirmed the presence of methamphetamine and amphetamine in his system.
The court heard this was his second conviction for drug driving, with a historic conviction in the 1990s also for drink driving.
Defence lawyer Grant Tucker told the court his client had recreationally used drugs the previous Friday night during a camping trip.
“There is no suggestion his driving was impaired,” Mr Tucker said.
Mr Tucker said it remained a live question as to whether Smith would be able to keep his employment, as it “could be said a golf course is a public street”.
He said the conviction and disqualification would have a “real and meaningful impact” on his client.
Magistrate Sharon Cure fined and disqualified Smith the minimum amounts, $692 and six months, while also imposing levies of $89.30.
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Originally published as Tony Smith: Golf club head greenkeeper’s drug driving plea
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