A woman who didn’t show up to court was charged $1000 and disqualified from driving for six months.
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Ruth Patricia Williams was not present at Nyngan Local Court on Wednesday. It is believed she lives in Ararat, Victoria.
She was found guilty of drive vehicle under the influence of drugs, first offence.
Williams was first called to court on May 24 this year, and again in June and July. Her first listed appearance was June 28.
Magistrate Vivienne Swain ruled the court appearance notice set out her allegation with “sufficient particulars”.
“There’s no way Miss Williams would have known [about the May date],” she said.
”Since [the June listing] she’s been notified of adjournments and I’m satisfied the Court Attendance Notice is good service, further the registrar wrote to Miss Williams telling it’s listed.”
The police prosecutor and magistrate went ahead with the hearing.
The prosecutor said the defendant had been caught driving under the influence of methamphetamine (ice).
The prosecution said Williams admitted to being under the influence of ice.
“The charge was based on her admission and observations. There was no saliva test,” the prosecutor said.
“Police say she was unsteady on her feet.”
He said he wasn’t sure about the accessibility of random drug test units in western NSW.
Magistrate Swain said she was satisfied the allegation is proven.
“With the court attendance notice, her admission and police observation, I am satisfied the allegation is proven,” she said.
The prosecution had no traffic record for Williams. It was ruled she was given the minimum license disqualification.
