A HORSHAM woman has had her licence disqualified for four years after multiple driving offences, including refusing to accompany police for an oral fluid test.
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Belinda Fowler, 31, appeared at Horsham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday via video link and pleaded guilty to refusing to accompany police for an oral fluid test, driving while disqualified and providing police with a false name and address.
At 10.25am on November 19, 2020, Horsham highway patrol observed Fowler travelling in a Holden Commodore along Baillie Street towards the intersection with Urquhart Street.
Fowler drove through a red light at the intersection, travelling left onto Urquhart Street, after which police intercepted her on Robertson Street.
She was unable to provide a drivers' licence and stated a false name and address to police.
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On-site checks revealed Fowler's true identity and the car she was driving had incorrect number plates.
The court was told Fowler then refused to accompany police to Horsham police station to undergo an oral fluid test, stating "I have things to do, I have an appointment".
Fowler told the court she was in emotional distress during the time of the incident, but admitted it was no excuse for her behaviour.
"During that time I was going through a lot of personal issues. There is no excuse for it really, I shouldn't have been driving and I am aware of the dangers of that," she said.
Magistrate Bruce Cottrill imposed a required penalty of 48 months licence disqualification, due to Fowler's history of traffic offences.
"Repeat commission of these sorts of offences can result in jail terms, you understand that?," Mr Cottrill said.
"If you come before the court again for drug driving or driving while disqualified you will certainly be facing a period of imprisonment."
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