A PREGNANT Ballarat woman was caught driving with speed and cannabis in her system, a court has heard.
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Sarah Jane Stewart was four months from giving birth when she was pulled over by police during the early hours of June 17 in Horsham.
The 23-year-old undertook an oral fluid test and gave a positive reading for methylamphetamine and cannabis.
Stewart was unlicensed at the time, having failed to renew her driver’s license when it expired in 2010.
Appearing in Ballarat Magistrates Court yesterday, Stewart was scolded for “compromising” the health of her child.
“I find it extraordinary that you would choose to use methylamphetamine and cannabis while you were pregnant,” magistrate Michelle Hodgson said.
“I would hope that the birth of your baby and the reality of the child in your arms ... has made you turn around and look at the lifestyle you’re engaged in.
“It is a very serious offence and you’re very fortunate that your child has not been harmed by your drug use.”
Defence lawyer David Tamanika said Stewart was mixing with the wrong crowd when the offending occurred.
“She’s no longer engaged in drug use,” he said. “She’s told me that it was a very stupid thing to do.”
Mr Tamanika told the court Stewart’s baby, now about four weeks old, was doing well. Stewart was fined $400 with conviction and was disqualified from driving for three months.