Man’s car impounded

THE court heard inexperience played a big role in two separate driving offences which resulted in a court appearance for Anthony James King.

Police prosecutor Dave Hogan said King was heading north along a stretch of single asphalt road on the Culgoa Ultima Road on December 16 last year, and was approaching a bend when he came across a second vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.

The second driver was forced off the road and the accused hit the brakes, swerving from side to side before coming to a stop in some small trees.

Senior Constable Hogan said the road was just wide enough for two cars providing they both pulled to the side when passing one another.

Following this incident Hogan turned around and was headed in the same direction as the car he had crossed paths with earlier.

On this occasion the second vehicle had slowed right down to make room for a large tractor and boom spray which was approaching.

However, King failed to slow down and overtook the car, narrowly avoiding a collision with the tractor.

The second incident took place at 6.20pm on April 11 this year when King attempted to turn the corner from Campbell Street onto Gray Street.

On this occasion he turned the corner at high speed and lost traction, causing him to fishtail for a few seconds.

Following this incident King’s car was impounded.

Geoff Dunstan, for the defence, said King was a young, inexperienced driver.

He said on the first occasion his client had also rung 000 in relation to the incident and was returning home after notifying his workplace of the incident when he came across the tractor.

Mr Dunstan said King had learnt valuable lessons in relation to each of the offences.

He said King had lost confidence in his driving ability and had relocated to Swan Hill so that he could be closer to town.

King was fined $400 and ordered to pay statutory costs. 

His licence was suspended for one month for each matter.