In a tale that seems more fitting for a movie script than the streets of New South Wales, a 73-year-old man has taken the concept of ‘repeat offender’ to new heights—or perhaps more accurately, new depths.
Already banned from driving until the year 2117, a staggering 92 years from now, this audacious individual has once again been caught in the driver’s seat, thumbing his nose at the law and the concept of driving disqualifications. What could be the reason for his ban and why is he back on the road?
On an otherwise ordinary Sunday, 9 March, officers from the Bathurst Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducting routine checks when they pulled over a Subaru on William Street for a random breath test.
The driver, however, was anything but ordinary. Recognised by the officers as a ‘long-term disqualified driver,’ the man’s notoriety preceded him. With a driving ban extending into the next century, one might think he’d take a hint and steer clear of the steering wheel. But it seems old habits die hard.
The man’s driving record is a testament to his disregard for road rules and the safety of others. His licence had been disqualified until 2117 due to a series of offences that paint a picture of a serial traffic transgressor. This latest escapade has only added to his infamy and further delayed any chance of a legitimate return to the roads.
Upon his arrest and subsequent trip to the Bathurst Police Station, the man was charged with driving while disqualified—a serious offence that carries significant penalties. His bail was refused, and to add insult to injury, he was issued with a number plate confiscation notice for driving a motor vehicle during a disqualification period.
This marks his third such offence in five years, showcasing a pattern of behaviour that seems impervious to legal consequences.
This incident was posted on the Facebook page of Traffic and Highway Patrol Command – NSW Police Force. Seeing the post, hundreds of social media users shared their thoughts on the matter.
‘[He has] absolutely no respect for anyone, if he’s [a] habitual offender…’ commented one person.
‘This episode won’t stop him [from] driving. 92 years disqualified, he’s been here many times,’ opined another.
‘He is a danger on the road, a road we all are travelling on. He needs to [lose] his car and do some time in jail to realise what he is doing is dangerous and wrong,’ said a different commenter.
‘Time to lock him up for a few months, or the Police and Courts will be blamed for not doing that if he kills someone on the roads,’ suggested someone else.
In New South Wales, the law is clear: driving while disqualified can lead to imprisonment for up to six months for first-time offenders. For those who have been caught more than once, the stakes are even higher, with potential prison terms of up to 12 months.
These stringent penalties reflect the seriousness with which the law views the act of driving without a valid licence, especially when it’s a result of prior offences.
For our readers at YourLifeChoices, this story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to driving laws and the consequences of breaking them. It’s also a cautionary tale about the potential risks posed by drivers who refuse to follow the rules that keep us all safe on the roads.
We encourage all drivers, regardless of age, to respect their driving privileges and to consider the safety of their fellow Australians. And for those who may be tempted to drive without a licence, remember that the law has a long memory—and so do the police.
Have you ever encountered a situation where someone was driving without a licence? What are your thoughts on the penalties for repeat offenders? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below, and let’s discuss the importance of responsible driving for the safety of everyone on the road.
Also read: The ‘selfish’ acts contributing to increasing road fatalities
