A Malaysian refugee has been fined $750 and disqualified from driving for six months after he was caught drink driving in Shepparton in July last year.
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Muhilarasan Segaran was intercepted by police on High St, where he failed to provide any form of driver’s licence.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Liam Murdoch told the court Segaran instead showed police officers his Malaysian identification card.
The accused was breath-tested and returned a blood alcohol concentration reading of 0.068.
Segaran’s lawyer Luke Slater said his client had settled in the region after entering Australia with a protection visa in 2017.
Mr Slater said the accused had sought refuge in Australia due to safety concerns caused by his and his wife’s differing religious beliefs back in Malaysia.
‘‘He is working on the orchards and sending money back to his wife and three children,’’ Mr Slater said.
Segaran was asked to bring his licence to Shepparton Police Station within a seven-day period.
However, Segaran failed to appear at the police station within the specified time.
When officers visited his home, it was discovered he did not hold a Victorian licence and he was summoned to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court.
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