Frequently people accumulate too many demerit points and a letter is forwarded by Queensland Transport which gives them the option of having their licenced suspended for a period, or being on a good behaviour driving period for a year. If a choice is not made, then the licence will be suspended from a stated date. Often people complain that they do not receive the letter as they have moved address or for some other reason. Be aware, that this will not be an excuse if the person is subsequently caught by police driving whilst unlicenced. The District Court has recently discussed the law on this issue in the case of Smith v McDougall [2009] QDC 157.

Link to Judgement>

Peter Saggers acted for a 57 year old man with three daughters. His middle daughter, aged 17, met a 25 year old man over the internet. Her father became concerned as to these persons motives and questioned his daughter. Police took the view he (the girl’s father) had threatened his daughter and he was charged. He was acquitted by a jury. He was also charged with stalking another man who had internet contact with the same daughter. He was concerned as to this man’s motives and thought he may be an internet predator. The police charged him with stalking. That matter went to trial before a different Jury. He was also found not guilty of that charge.