Max Frederick Casey: Fine and disqualification for reckless driving after caught speeding at more than 150km/h

An Albany man who was caught speeding at more than 150km/h has copped a heavy fine and been disqualified from driving. Max Fredrick Casey, 31, faced Albany Magistrates Court on May 16 where he was sentenced for reckless driving by 45km/h or more. The court was told Casey was driving a Nissan Navara on Menang Drive in Willyung at 10.53am on April 20 when he was detected by police travelling at 157km/h in a 90km/h zone. He was stopped by police, had his car impounded and was subsequently charged. Legal aid lawyer Michelle Gonsalves representing Casey said her client was extremely anxious about the incident and suffers from ADHD. Ms Gonsalves said in submissions that Casey was trying to test his car out to hear a knock in the suspension and failed to pay attention to his speed when he was caught by police. She said her client had begun working on the mines and was seeking a spent conviction. Ms Gonsalves said Casey had already paid an expensive towing bill of about $1000 and had a letter of support from a previous supervisor to say this behaviour was out of character. She added that he may not be able to maintain his employment with this charge, that he and his partner — who had recently built their new home — would be financially impacted and that the chance to have a clean record should be considered. Police prosecutor Sgt Warrick Walker argued that the offence is not trivial and that it is important employers are aware of the charge. Sgt Walker said reckless driving is a serious breach of the road rules and they opposed the spent conviction. In sentencing, Magistrate Erin O’Donnell said it was his first offence of any kind and pleaded guilty, but the charge was serious. She fined Casey $1200 and he was disqualified from driving for the minimum period of six months. Magistrate O’Donnell could not be persuaded by the application for a spent conviction, saying that the reference by the defence that he wanted to try and get an extraordinary licence to continue his employment would raise alarm bells for any employer anyway. She denied Casey a spent conviction.