Man sent to jail for driving while disqualified offences in Forbes

Terry Graham Skinner, of James Sheahan Drive, Orange pleaded guilty in Forbes Local Court on Thursday, June 9 to two counts of driving while disqualified.

According to police facts tendered to the court, Skinner was first caught driving in Riley Street, Forbes at 12.30am on October 4, 2014.

Skinner came to the attention of police when he pulled onto the side of the road and turned his lights off.

When questioned, Skinner told police he had not been driving the car and was simply minded it for his dad. 

He said the car had run out of petrol and that his dad had gone to get more.

However, when police checked the engine, it was still warm. They later found the keys hidden under the driver’s seat in which Skinner was sitting.

Police caught Skinner driving a second time at 11.28pm on Saturday, December 5.

He came to the attention of police after doing a burn-out in Lachlan Street.

Upon apprehension, Skinner walked towards police, saying, “I’ll come with you, I’ve never held a licence”.

Checks confirmed Skinner was disqualified until October 16, 2029.

Skinner’s solicitor, Mr Forrest told the court his client had a drinking problem at the time.

“I’ll be asking Your Honour to grant a very long period on parole to address his alcohol issues firstly, as he’s forfeited his rights to community corrections through non-attendance,” Mr Forrest said.

Magistrate Robert Rabbidge told Skinner he only had himself to blame.

“Mr Skinner was on notice that he was only just on the other side of his prison cell and would avoid that providing he remain of good behaviour and commit no other crime,” he said.

“It’s not the first time Mr Skinner has been before the court for driving while disqualified. I have a duty now to sentence him to a term of imprisonment.”

Skinner was sentenced to 12 months’ jail with three months non-parole. He was also disqualified from driving for two years.