Gary Thomas Williams convicted for tenth disqualified driving offence in three years

A repeat disqualified driving offender has again faced court, claiming he had no choice but drive to a doctor’s appointment.

A serial offender who continues to drive while disqualified has again faced court after he was busted driving despite court orders forcing him off the road until 2028.

Gary Thomas Williams appeared in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle without a driver’s licence disqualified by a court.

The court was told the 61-year-old was stopped by police at Colinton on the D’Aguilar Highway at 11.55am on February 18 this year.

Police prosecutor Rohan Brewster-Webb said police checks revealed that Williams, who was the sole occupant, was driving on a disqualified licence.

The court was told Williams told police he was driving to a doctor’s appointment, as he had no other means of transport.

Mr Brewster-Webb said Williams has had nine prior convictions for disqualified driving in the past three years, and currently was suspended from driving until 2028.

“It’s quite significant that he is driving and continues to drive despite the extent of his disqualification,” the prosecutor said.

Williams’ solicitor Nathan Bouchier, of Bouchier Khan Lawyers, said his client was dealt with on March 3 for eight driving while disqualified offences, where he was given a six month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was fined more than $9000.

“I’m surprised that’s all (the punishment) there is, considering the number of disqualified driving offences,” acting magistrate Roger Stark said.

Williams was convicted and sentenced to a six month suspended prison sentence, and disqualified from driving for two years.