Man fined for lying to Geraldton police about car thief after crashing work vehicle

A man who told police his work car had been stolen after he crashed it has been fined more than $4000 and given a spent conviction. James Edward Davies crashed a Mitsubishi Trident belonging to his employer at a T-intersection on Victoria Street, Geraldton on September 24 last year. At the time, he was on a suspended licence after reaching his demerit-point limit. Davies failed to report the incident to police, and later that day went to Geraldton Police Station to tell officers the car had been stolen. Police found traces of his blood on the vehicle, suggesting he had been driving at the time. Davies appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on March 13, where he pleaded guilty to charges of causing false belief, being involved in a crash which damaged property and failing to report to police, driving without authority, and dangerous driving. His lawyer, Eva Svanberg, told Magistrate Angus Hockton he panicked after the crash and made a “foolish” mistake, for which he was deeply remorseful. Ms Svanberg also asked Mr Hockton not to give Davies a conviction as it would prevent him from getting security clearances, causing him to lose his job and unable to find work in his field. Police Prosecutor Sergeant Ross Gray told the court Davies had wasted police time and resources. Mr Hockton told Davies he should have taken responsibility for his actions. “I don’t know if it’s immature or foolish behaviour,” he said. The magistrate decided not to give him a conviction which employers would see, instead giving him a spent conviction. He was also fined $3000 for lying to police, and was fined $1400 for the other charges.