Lisa Beth Crawford, 43, of Echuca, pleaded guilty in Echuca Magistrates’ Court to driving while suspended and drug driving.
The court heard that despite Crawford’s licence being suspended due to a loss of demerit points she was caught driving eight times between July 28 to September 15 in Echuca and Kyabram.
The prosecutor said on one of these occasions, September 5, it was revealed Crawford had methamphetamine in her oral fluid at the time of driving, and Crawford admitted to using marijuana the day before, resulting in her vehicle being impounded for 30 days.
Crawford told police she was making sure her father could get to hospital and her driver hadn’t shown up, and “wasn’t aware that there was an illicit drug there”.
Crawford’s lawyer Myra Bigger said she was the primary carer for her elderly father who was very unwell, and also cared for her young daughter and ex-partner who both had health issues.
Ms Bigger said Crawford had been dealing with civic compliance in trying to nominate another driver for demerit points she had lost, and thought she would be able to get her licence back.
She said her client was now unemployed and had mental health issues and was actively taking methodone.
Magistrate Megan Aumair said she accepted Crawford had carer responsibilities but also acknowledged she had prior incidents of driving while suspended.
“Eight times a police officer told you, you shouldn’t be driving,” she said.
“Get a bike or continue to walk … do not drive for at least eight months.”
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