Magistrate Michelle Hodgson ​placed Brae Norman on a community corrections order after establishing he had taken significant steps to address his drug problems.

“This is ordinarily a case that would attract a period of imprisonment,” she said.

The court heard Norman drove on five occasions over a three-month period while his licence was suspended.

On one occasion Norman had allegedly driven after smoking $20 worth of cannabis and $100 of methamphetamine earlier that day.

Norman’s defence lawyer said his client was facing “high drug use” during the time of his offending which effected the way he conducted himself, but had since had sought treatment.

Ms Hodgson said it was Norman’s attitude towards getting help for his drug problem that saved him from being imprisoned.

“You get one chance, don’t waste it,” she said. 

Ms Hodgson disqualified Norman from driving for three months, fined him $1500 and ordered him to complete 100 hours of community work.