Shepparton man fined but keeps licence

A Shepparton man with multiple previous driving offences has kept his licence, but was slugged with a $1000 fine when he fronted court last week

A Shepparton man has kept his licence, but has been fined $1000 for a string of driving offences.

Police pulled Ricky Ahern, 30, over at 4am on September 5 last year on Goulburn Valley Hwy.

Mr Ahern was a learner driver at the time, but was alone in the car and was not displaying his L-plates.

Shepparton Magistrates’ Court last Monday heard Mr Ahern did not have an alcohol interlock device fitted to the vehicle.

This was a condition stemming from a previous conviction for drink-driving and he was also not wearing glasses, a condition of his permit.

At the time, Mr Ahern told police he had to get to work and lawyer Luke Slater told the court his client usually got a ride to work, but on this day his boss could not make it.

‘‘This is a serious matter,’’ Magistrate John Murphy said.

‘‘He gets a suspended sentence for drink-driving and then fails to have an interlock.’’

Mr Slater said his client was aware of the seriousness of the offences.

‘‘He is legitimately driving on his P’s at the moment and has an interlock fitted,’’ he said.

Mr Slater said his client lived with his partner and three children and worked full-time at an abattoir.

‘‘If I can put a positive spin on his priors,’’ Mr Slater said.

‘‘Good luck,’’ Mr Murphy responded.

Mr Slater said Mr Ahern had a prior history with court appearances every year, but until the present charges had gone three years without an offence.

‘‘It seems he is making some effort to reduce his offending,’’ he said.

Mr Murphy fined Mr Ahern $1000 and made no order against his driver’s licence.