A police helicopter tracked a P-plater as he did three burnouts in Shepparton, a court has heard.
Jye Johnson, 20, pleaded guilty in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court to careless driving and driving while suspended.
Prosecutor Senior Constable Luke Lund told the court those aboard the Police Airwing saw Johnson lose traction in his vehicle on Benalla Rd, Shepparton, about 12.50am on September 12, 2020.
The court heard Johnson lost traction of the vehicle two more times in the Shepparton Marketplace car park as the helicopter tracked his movements.
When police intercepted Johnson abut five minutes later, he told them his “driving was a bit silly but there was no-one around”, Sen Constable Lund said.
Johnson also told police “I lost a bit of proper control of the vehicle”, Sen Constable Lund said.
The court was also told Johnson was caught driving on a suspended driver’s licence in Shepparton at 1.01am on January 19, 2020.
He denied knowing his licence was suspended at the time, Sen Constable Lund said.
Johnson’s solicitor Kristina Kutija told the court her client had no prior convictions.
She also said Johnson’s licence was only suspended for a short time for a medical review because of medication he was taking at the time.
Ms Kutija urged the magistrate not to disqualify Johnson’s licence as he was working as an apprentice at a Shepparton panel beating business.
Magistrate Peter Mithen fined Johnson $400, but no conviction was recorded.
He also did not cancel Johnson’s driver’s licence.
“If you want to participate in hoon driving, the community are going to catch up with you and throw the book at you,” Mr Mithen said.
“Learn from this.
“Just because no-one was around, doesn’t mean you can break the law.”