A man busted driving while disqualified half a dozen times has been sentenced to two years in jail but won’t see the inside of a cell.
Michael John O’Donnell has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of driving while disqualified as well breaching previous court orders and drug driving.
One one occasion the 41-year-old was caught driving between Batemans Bay and Moruya on NRL Grand Final Day dressed in a Knights jersey.
O’Donnell, who previously told the court he was living in a caravan in the forest with his partner and child, ordered to serve the sentence as a conditional Intensive Corrections Order.
The conditions include abstaining from using drugs and submit to testing.
In sentencing a submission O’Donnell’s lawyer Adam Sumbak told the court his clients record provided no assistance but pointed out he had successfully completed the MERIT driver education program since his most recent arrest.
“My client described it as a godsend,” Mr Sumbak said.
Judge Doug Dick had some stern words for O’Donnell when handing down the sentence.
“You were given a tremendous opportunity not to come before the court,” he said.
“I can safely say if it wasn’t for the MERIT program the court would have had no choice.
“You are very lucky to go home today.
“If you fail, you’ll end up in jail. It will be your fault.”
O’Donnell also banned from driving for two years despite his earlier ban being in place until 2029.
