A 21-YEAR-OLD probationary driver who repeatedly got behind the wheel while suspended to escape an abusive partner has avoided immediate jail.Benjamin Raymond Martin pleaded guilty in Ballarat Magistrates Court yesterday to 22 charges including 10 counts of driving while suspended, two counts of drink-driving, two counts of speeding and one count of burglary.The Mt Clear man committed most of the offences in 2007 in his Ford Falcon, and was often stopped late at night by police near his home where he immediately informed officers he was a suspended driver due to a loss of demerit points.Defence lawyer David Tamanika told the court Martin was in an abusive relationship during 2007, which had an impact on his offending.He said Martin, a mechanic, had a love of cars which gave him grounds to get out of the house and escape his partner."He is going through some troubles, but he is able to fix himself up," Mr Tamanika said. The court was told police stopped Martin twice for operating green parking lights and checks revealed he was a suspended driver.Speed was a another reason why police intercepted Martin. Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Clint Prebble said Martin was travelling at 78kmh in a 60kmh zone along Yarrowee St, Sebastopol, in August, 2007.He said Martin was travelling at 80kmh in a 60kmh zone in Latrobe St in December, while his licence was suspended, and a breath test revealed he had a blood alcohol level of .035.The court was told Martin stayed out of trouble in 2008 when he moved to Queensland and ended the abusive relationship.Magistrate Kay Robertson said there was not much benefit to the community for Martin to go to jail, given his young age.Martin was convicted and sentenced to three months' jail to be served in the community as an intensive corrections order, a nine-month community-based order, fined $700 and banned from driving for six months.
Magistrates Court: Abused offender ducks jail
