A HORSHAM truck driver's licence was suspended for six months and he will pay a $2000 fine after driving under the influence of cannabis.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Clint Brauman, 37, appeared at Horsham Magistrates' Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Kass Myers read out the offence summary.
"On July 20 at 8.30pm, police observed the accused driving on Laurel Street, Horsham. He was intercepted at Bennett Road and produced a valid licence," she told the court.
"An oral fluid test detected illicit drugs in the accused's system. Further tests found cannabis in the accused's system. When asked if he had consumed drugs, the accused answered 'yes'. When asked when the drugs were consumed, he said 'a couple of hours ago'.
"When asked why, he replied, 'no reason, I was stupid and shouldn't have done it'."
The court heard that Brauman was employed as a truck driver, but was not driving a truck at the time of the offence.
The court also heard that Brauman had relevant priors, both criminal and traffic related.
Magistrate Mark Stratmann read the summary of priors and said Brauman had a "very appalling driving record".
"I understand he is employed as a truck driver, but the trouble is that he will be losing his licence today. The question is for how long. I accept that he made an early guilty plea and is remorseful for his actions," Mr Stratmann said.
Mr Stratmann warned Brauman that he could face imprisonment if his behaviour continued.
"You are at risk of jail time if this offending keeps going. You're not in a position to do time yet, but you are so close to it," he said.
"Your job involves driving very heavy vehicles and the job already attracts a lot of scrutiny from police."
Brauman was disqualified from driving for six months and was fined $2000 plus court costs of $82.
He will also undertake a road trauma awareness course.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.