A MAGISTRATE on Tuesday slammed a Ballarat woman’s “appalling” driving record, saying it was one of the worst she had seen.
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Ballarat Magistrates Court heard Carolyn Falla’s record included convictions for dangerous driving and speeding. She pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified – an offence the court heard she had priors for from 2007, 2008 and 2011.
“She has probably one of the worst driving records I have ever seen,” magistrate Cynthia Toose said.
“She shouldn’t be on the road.”
The court heard the 46-year-old, of Sebastopol, was caught driving in Redan on October 21 last year, despite her licence being cancelled at the time.
Police informed the court Falla had told them at the time: “I lost it 12 months ago for drink-driving.”
Falla’s defence lawyer Jeremy Harper told the court his client also faced the possibility of another driving while disqualified matter that was still pending.
“How am I to keep her from driving though, other than putting her in prison?” the magistrate asked.
“She doesn’t seem to get the message.”
Mr Harper told the court that Falla had been driving in October in order to get to a job interview, adding that being a single mother of three children had in the past meant she had no option other than driving.
Ms Toose stood the matter down while police investigated the potential of a further driving while disqualified charge.
Ms Toose said she was reluctant to sentence Falla on Tuesday if she had to front court again in the future.
“I just think it’s to your client’s advantage to have both matters heard,” she told Mr Harper.
“We may not be able to complete this matter today.”
The magistrate bailed Falla, who had been on summons, to reappear at Ballarat Magistrates Court on May 21.