‘Do not forget this feeling’ — tears in court as Albany magistrate gives serial driving offender last chance

A serial driving offender who narrowly avoided prison has been told to remember what it felt like to be standing in court waiting to hear his fate with his pregnant partner in tears. Sean Matthew Griffiths, 39, faced Albany Magistrate’s Court last Thursday after pleading guilty to his latest charge of driving without authority. Griffiths’ licence was already suspended in relation to a 2019 reckless driving offence when he was caught driving about 9.30am on March 22 this year. He had previously spent time in prison for driving offences. Prosecuting Sergeant Dave Loverock said his most recent conviction for driving without authority came in March last year. Sgt Loverock said police were calling for another term of imprisonment. “He’s had plenty of chances to correct his behaviour,” he said. Griffiths’ defence lawyer argued he should be given the benefit of a community order. As the Albany man stood for sentencing, his partner started crying at the back of the court. The court had been told she was pregnant with their first child. Magistrate Raelene Johnston told Griffiths he was “just not getting the message”. “There is so much that points to the need for an immediate term of imprisonment,” she said. “To continually drive without authority ... shows a disregard for the law.” However Ms Johnston decided to give him a chance, handing down an eight-month prison sentence but conditionally suspending it for 18 months. Griffiths will be subject to supervision and program requirements. His licence was disqualified for another nine months. Ms Johnston stressed to Griffiths that if he made a mistake in the next 18 months, he would be brought back before court and the consequences would be “on his shoulders”. She pointed to the stress his actions had caused his partner. “Do not forget that feeling,” Ms Johnston said. “Do not forget the impact that has on your partner.”