Mandurah: Australian athlete receives suspended jail time for driving without licence

A Gridiron Australia player received a suspended jail term in Mandurah Magistrates Court today.

Elijah Aoto’A John Leilua from Rockingham pleaded guilty to having no authority to drive.

He was caught driving in Barragup on July 13; just a month after his licence was suspended at Rockingham Magistrates Court.

The court heard that this was Leilua’s fifth driving conviction for sentencing purposes.

Leilua’s lawyer David Walls told the court that he is the sole carer of three children who understands the seriousness of driving on a suspended licence.

Mr Walls asked Magistrate Vivien Edwards to consider giving Leilua a fine.

Magistrate Edwards said Leilua showed a total disregard for the law.

She also pointed out that Leilua had $8000 in outstanding fines.

“The time has arrived for a term of imprisonment,” she said.

Magistrate Edwards sentenced Leilua to seven months in prison suspended for a year.

His licence was suspended for a year cumulative on existing suspensions. He was also ordered to pay costs.