Vic: Cabbie fined "a lot of Big Macs" for undone seatbelt

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2000
Vic: Cabbie fined "a lot of Big Macs" for undone seatbelt

By Catherine Chisholm

MELBOURNE, Aug 1 AAP - A taxi driver on an early burger break was picked up by police
at a McDonald's drive-through because he took his seat belt off to get money out, a court
heard today.

Police said Ferdinand Lethbridge took his seat belt off before entering the McDonald's
drive-through in Williams Road, Prahran, at 5.15am on February 14 this year.

Melbourne Magistrate's Court heard that Lethbridge had earlier been fined a total of
$270, which the magistrate said was "a lot of Big Macs".

Jon (Jon) Gorr, defending, said Lethbridge removed his seat belt to lean over and grab
"a buck for his hamburger" before going through the drive-through.

He said the police waited in line behind Lethbridge and intercepted him after he picked
up his order and was leaving.

Mr Gorr said the police had told Lethbridge he should have waited to remove the seat
belt until he was in the drive-through and the car was switched off.

But it was a common perception that you could remove your seat belt before going through
a drive-through or in a car park.

However, there was no signs or notices at the drive-through saying seat belts should
be left on, Mr Gorr said.

He argued that the matter should be thrown out.

Lethbridge 53, of Boyd Street, Dandenong, had been fined $135 for not wearing a seat
belt and another $135 for not having his lights on, the court was told.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Brian Barrow said that was "a lot of Big Macs" and added: "I
think you should be taken off the 10 Most Wanted list, Mr Lethbridge."

He placed him on a good behaviour bond until December 1, without conviction and ordered
him to pay $100 to the court fund.

AAP cmc/sp/hu/de

KEYWORD: LETHBRIDGE

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.