Matthew Charles Hinde appeared in Horsham Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to drug-driving.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Belinda Ryan told the court that on September 16 at 9.25pm, Hinde was driving a B-double east on Natimuk Road, Horsham, when he was intercepted by police. 

Police drug-tested Hinde and the test was positive for methamphetamine.

Hinde told police at the time that he hadn’t taken drugs for the past 10 to 15 years.

At court on Wednesday, Hinde said he had used methamphetamine recreationally.

“I was using it a little bit on weekends,” he said.

Hinde said he had since had drug and alcohol counselling.

“I’m trying to get away from the scene – it’s not worth it,” he said.  

Magistrate Ronald Saines warned Hinde of the dangers of drug-driving, especially for a truck driver.

“If you sat in court for a day, and not even city courts, courts like Horsham, you would be astonished by how many people wreck their lives because of methamphetamine use,” he said.

“The destruction and crime that comes with it is unbelievable.”

Mr Saines said Hinde was a danger to himself and others.

“The transport industry has to survive without drug use,” he said.

“There are too many other people driving around on the roads and if those people had a collision with your B-double, they would be dead.”

Mr Saines convicted Hinde on the charges and fined him $450. Hinde’s driver’s licence was cancelled and disqualified for three months.