Big Brother Australia 2021‘s Daniel Hayes has avoided conviction after appearing in court for multiple driving offences.
Fronting up at Geelong Magistrates’ Court, the Big Brother VIP contestant pleaded guilty to the offences, including driving while on a suspended license.
In May 2020, two months after he was suspended for exceeding demerit points, Daniel was picked up by police after he was observed driving in Highton.
The 50-year-old told the officers he was unaware his licence was on hold.
In July of the same year, police observed Daniel driving at 117km/h along Geelong’s Ring Road, which is a 100km/h zone.
The real estate mogul was driving past authorities with a phone in his hand just days late, and officers said he appeared to be talking into the device.
Defence lawyer Mel Cox told the court that her client is an “extremely honourable person, incredibly community-minded and philanthropic”.
“[He is] remorseful and embarrassed to find himself before the court.”
The court also heard that Daniel is a “successful and respectful business owner”, having established six real estate offices across Geelong that employs over 50 people.
The defence added that he drives over 100,000km a year.
What Did the Magistrate Say About Daniel Hayes’ Case?
Magistrate Ann McGarvie considered Daniel character references when deciding his case’s outcome. However, she was concerned that the father of two has “racked up so many demerit points”.
“That indicates to me that you are not a safe driver because you keep getting fines and losing demerit points,” Magistrate McGarvie said.
“Any speeding is dangerous, and it … concerns me that while you do drive 100,000km a year, that is not good if it is unsafe driving.”
Daniel was fined $900 without a conviction.
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