Man spared jail over test-drive car theft

A man who stole a car he was test-driving in Geraldton wept in court when told he had been spared jail.

Bradley Trent Ladhams, 34, was given a seven month suspended imprisonment order and 12 months drivers’ licence suspension when he appeared before Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday.

Ladhams was charged with driving on a suspended licence and stealing a Toyota Landcruiser from Drennan O’Malley Motors on Chapman Road on December 11, 2015.

He was under the influence of methamphetamines at the time and when first picked up by police told them the car had been stolen from him.

The defence said the jail time since Ladhams was brought into custody on December 17, 2015 had “changed him”.

“He’s taken that snapshot of what his life could be and used that to make a change,” his lawyer said.

Ladhams’ partner could not be in court as she had flown out to work at the mines, to raise money so the couple could care for their child.

Magistrate Donna Webb said while she thought there was a ring of truth to the defence’s submission that this was just one bad decision that led to another, it was also reckless behaviour made worse by an entrenched drug addiction.

“He’s got a very bad traffic record, but also one that indicates a history of drug use,” she said.

“It really does indicate a level of dishonesty, a level of disrespect for the court, and ongoing drug problems.

“Any traffic offence, including driving under suspension will trigger that suspended imprisonment order and you’ll go to jail.”

As Ms Webb announced Ladhams would receive a suspended sentence he teared up, and he thanked her as he left the court room.