A MAGISTRATE has told a Horsham woman she needs to be a more positive role model for her children after she pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of methamphetamine.
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Emily Isabel, 35, appeared at Horsham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Magistrate Ronald Saines told Isabel her drug habits might rub off on her children.
"I'm astonished that you claim your children don't already know about your drug use; in most cases you'll find that they do," she said.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Kass Myers read out the summary of charges in court.
"On June 1 about 8.30pm, the accused was intercepted by police driving along Natimuk Road in Horsham for a routine check," she said.
"The accused undertook an oral fluid test, which indicated the presence of illicit drugs. Further analysis indicated the presence of methamphetamine.
"When asked if she had consumed drugs, the accused answered 'apparently'. When asked when, she replied 'a couple of years ago'."
Mr Saines said this was Isabel's fifth drug-driving offence in 10 years and that she had previously undertaken two Community Corrections Orders.
The court heard Isabel was studying early childhood education and disability care.
"I honestly don't know if you're wasting your time with childhood education while accumulating so many convictions," Mr Saines said.
"It appears you have a serious problem with continuing to drive your vehicle when you know you will be producing a positive result for drugs. This is obviously a risk to your vocation ambitions."
Mr Saines said he was not satisfied with placing Isabel on another Community Corrections Order.
"If your children and vocational prospects are not enough to stop you from doing drugs, I don't think counselling will be enough anymore," he said.
Isabel was disqualified from driving for 14 months. She must also complete 150 hours of unpaid community work.
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