A MYRTLEFORD man was handed a steep fine for drug driving and speeding while serving a four-year licence disqualification. Appearing at Myrtleford Magistrates’ Court on Friday, the court heard the man was served a four-year driving disqualification in 2023 The court heard the former Whorouly resident was caught with methamphetamine in his system when police detected him driving while disqualified on June 10. He told police he “didn’t expect it to show up” despite taking the substance the night before. He was then caught driving at Wangaratta-Whitfield Road in Moyhu just two weeks later, speeding less than 25km/h over the limit in a 60km/h zone. Representing himself in court, the man said he had a recent surgery which made it difficult for him to walk. He said since moving to Myrtleford closer to his sister, he has been able to access greater support for travel. Magistrate Megan Casey imposed a $1500 fine and a 12-month licence suspension to serve concurrently with the man’s current driving disqualification. “I accept it’s really challenging not to get behind the wheel of a car in the country, but you’ve got to rely on family and friends now,” she said.
