Unlicensed driver fined after vehicle collided with tree

Prosecutor Sergeant Andrew Pike said police were called to a single-vehicle collision at Mathoura on September 29, 2021.

The vehicle, driven by Rosenow, had veered off the road and collided with a tree.

At the time of the incident, Rosenow had never been issued a driver’s licence before.

The court heard he had a passenger in the vehicle who suffered a significant spinal injury as a result of the crash.

When interviewed by police, Rosenow said the reason for the collision was because his tyre blew out.

Rosenow’s solicitor Matthew Mahady told the court his client had now managed to secure a learner’s permit.

“He knows he shouldn’t have been driving. It was just stupidity. He is very lucky his passenger is not dead,” Mr Mahady said.

Magistrate Melissa Humphries said taking the initiative to secure a learner’s permit was a step in the right direction.

Despite this, she said the offences were serious in her mind.

“With regard to the explanation to the police that the tyre blew out, I am told there is no evidence of that,” Ms Humphries said.

Rosenow was fined $1800 and has been disqualified from driving for nine months.