A woman who works in the motor industry will not be able to drive for the next four years, after she refused to accompany police for a breath test.
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The woman, who The Courier has chosen not to name because she did not receive a conviction, pleaded guilty to four charges at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Ben Jones said police intercepted the woman driving along Geelong Road in Bannockburn at 75km/h in a 60km/h zone in January.
The court heard the 28-year-old could not produce her drivers' licence and falsely gave her sister's name to police.
Senior Constable Jones said the woman failed to complete a breath test six times before it worked and she then continually refused to accompany police for an evidentiary breath test.
The court heard the woman admitted to stating a false name and checks showed her licence had been cancelled.
Particularly for someone who works in the automotive field, the loss of licence for four years will be significant.
- Defence lawyer
A defence lawyer said it was the woman's first time before the court and she was in a state of grief and distress at the time of the offending.
The lawyer said his client was a qualified motor mechanic and was driving a client's car to escape a family argument at the time.
"She was overwhelmed by the situation and made a number of poor choices at the time," he said.
The lawyer asked the magistrate not to exceed the minimum mandatory period of four years' licence disqualification.
"Particularly for someone who works in the automotive field, the loss of licence for four years will be significant," he said.
The court heard the woman's client's car was impounded at the time of the offence and she had to pay for it to be released.
Magistrate Letizia Torres said the offending was serious in particular because the woman had a prior for drug driving.
"To have lied to police and given a false name adds to that," she said.
The woman was disqualified from driving for four years and fined $400. She did not receive a conviction.
"I do consider the licence loss a significant punishment, especially for a young person," she said.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
