A disqualified driver has been charged after allegedly attempting to travel across the NSW/Victorian border with a passenger hiding in the car boot.
About 8.45am yesterday (Saturday 5 September 2020), police stopped a Mitsubishi Magna at a checkpoint on the Hume Highway, Albury.
The driver, a 34-year-old man, produced a valid permit but was unable to produce identification, and further checks revealed he was disqualified from driving.
He was arrested and a search of the vehicle was conducted.
During the search, police found a 41-year-old woman hiding in the boot of the Mitsubishi. She was unable to produce a permit and directed to return to Victoria.
The woman left in the Mitsubishi and allegedly travelled through a red light.
She was issued with two Traffic Infringement Notices for not stop at stop line at red light, passenger not occupy seat with seatbelt and a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice for fail to comply requirement public health order – COVID-19.
The West Wodonga man was taken to Albury Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 -COVID-19, driver motor vehicle during disqualified period, and drive with passenger in/on part of vehicle no seatbelt.
He was refused bail and appeared at Wagga Wagga Bail Court today (Sunday 6 September 2020) where he was formally refused bail to reappear at Albury Local Court tomorrow (Monday 7 September 2020).
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence.
