A man's big speeding mistake has left a magistrate no choice but to suspend his licence for three months, despite his pleas to be able to keep driving as he lives in a small country town.
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Nathan Micallef was caught driving 88km/h in a 60km/h zone on the Midland Highway in Daylesford while he was overtaking other traffic in June 2020.
Micallef told the court he lived in Lismore and relied on his licence to get to and from work and to the closest shopping centre which was 35km away.
Magistrate Ron Saines said he had no choice but to suspend his licence as it was a mandatory sentence set in legislation by the parliament.
"No matter how much I think it is excessive and unjust to suspend you as a driver for three months, it is a mandatory sentence," he said.
"The judiciary and the legal profession speaks out against mandatory sentencing because it can be unjust.
"The parliament has final say of legislation which has to be followed by the courts. That is the circumstances."
Mr Saines said Micallef would have to make arrangements to be able to live without his licence.
"I suppose it is a good time of year to get yourself a bike," he said.
Micallef was convicted and fined $450.
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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.
