A man who was caught driving unlicensed said he was driving to Coles to purchase toilet paper during the COVID-19 panic buying shortage.
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Steven Chawla pleaded guilty to driving unlicensed in Wendouree in April 2020 at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday.
The court heard he had been disqualified from driving for a period of 12 months for a previous conviction of drink driving.
Chawla told police he wanted to go to Coles to buy a few things because it was the time of the 'great toilet paper rush'.
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"The shortage of toilet paper or otherwise, you didn't have a licence," Magistrate Michelle Hodgson said.
"It is a serious offence to drive while disqualified. If we didn't have penalties people would just drive when they shouldn't."
Chawla was convicted and fined $350.
"If you come back before the court you may find yourself receiving a jail sentence," Ms Hodgson said.
"Do not do it again."
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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.
