A last-minute dash to get a Mother’s Day gift has had severe consequences for a Dunedin man.
Jakob John Bishop-Boyle (21), gib stopper, lost his licence in March for three months for accruing excess demerit points.
But with only minutes to spare before shops shut on the eve of Mother’s Day, he made an ill-advised trip to K Mart.
With the situation seemingly saved, chocolates and a card in tow, he set off home down Filleul St.
But police spotted a broken rear light on his Mitsubishi and pulled him over.
Bishop-Boyle admitted he was suspended and told police about his reason for the journey.
"It was a great idea but a really bad decision to drive," duty lawyer Rhona Daysh told the court.
She said the defendant was "really annoyed" to receive his first conviction over an incident of this nature.
Bishop-Boyle said it had been the only time he had got behind the wheel during his suspension period.
Despite the man’s intentions, Judge Kevin Phillips was unmoved.
"You took the risk, you got caught, you pay the penalty; there aren’t any excuses really," he said.
Bishop-Boyle was fined $400, court costs $130, and disqualified from driving for six months (starting when his current suspension ends next week).
