By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A SERIAL suspended driver has been jailed after twice flouting a suspended jail sentence.
Johann Michael Vantwest, 27, was picked up for driving while suspended three times in December, April and August, Dandenong Magistrates’ Court heard.
In his most latter two offences, Vantwest had breached a suspended three-month jail term and a nine-month driving suspension handed down at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court in March.
Vantwest was also charged with driving an unregistered vehicle in Heatherton Road, Noble Park, in April, and possessing cannabis and several bags of methamphetamine when pulled over in Clow Street, Dandenong, in August.
Vantwest temporarily had a warrant for his arrest because he didn’t show up on time for his court hearing on 16 November.
His lawyer told the court late that afternoon that Vantwest was late because he was resolving finances at work, ahead of his first custodial sentence.
The full-time mechanic had no drug and alcohol issues “of any note”, and had a difficult home life with his siblings, the lawyer said.
Magistrate Julie O’Donnell said there was no discretion but to jail Vantwest who had just “ignored” the law.
She took into account the accused’s age, “appalling” driving record and that it was his first time in jail.
Ms O’Donnell jailed Vantwest for three months – served concurrently with the restored three-month suspended sentence.
