Ballarat Law Courts
AN impatient Wendouree man fishtailed his car and overtook a vehicle on the wrong side of a traffic island because they were driving too slowly, a court has heard.
Scott Franklin, 26, appeared in Ballarat Magistrates Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to careless driving and failing to obey a no-entry sign.
The road rage incident on March 6 this year took place less than a month after Franklin fronted court over a previous careless driving charge.
The court heard that Franklin started driving up close behind the complainant when travelling north along Albert Street in Creswick.
When he couldn’t pass, he started fishtailing his car and slowing down and then speeding up.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Michelle Kilburn said Franklin eventually passed on the wrong side of a traffic island and on a corner with double lines.
Then he sped off out of sight.
Defence lawyer Kylie Maloney said her client had been keen to overtake the car in front.
“He instructs he was frustrated the traffic was so slow and he certainly didn’t mean to cause his car to fishtail,” she said.
Magistrate Caitlin English sentenced Franklin to a six month good behaviour bond with conviction, and ordered him to attend a Road Trauma Awareness Seminar.
No order was made against his licence.
“You’re putting other drivers at risk by this behaviour,” Ms English said.
“As you’ve heard I’m not impressed by these offences and I hope you’ve learnt your lesson.”
