WAGGA LOCAL COURT
A SERIAL disqualified driver whose life spiraled out of control because of an ice addiction was in a race against time to attend her father's funeral on Monday after being sentenced in Wagga Local Court.
Carissa Margaret Hemphill, 23, received a 10-month jail term for one of three fresh offences, but magistrate Erin Kennedy framed the sentence and lesser sentences so they ended on Sunday.
Hemphill was sentenced at 12.30pm on Monday, giving her less than four hours to be discharged from custody and get to Albury for the funeral of her father who died on February 8 after a heart attack.
The mother of three children aged five, four and two has been convicted on no less than 11 counts of driving while disqualified in less than a year.
Eight of those offences happened in a seven week period in 2014 and another three were committed between October 28 and December 17.
In his sentencing submission, Hemphill's solicitor Chris Murnane asked Ms Kennedy to frame a non-parole period that took into account 32 days of custody already and allowed Hemphill to attend her father's funeral.
He said Hemphill's father had been a support for her and was fairly constant in trying to get her drug-free.
Mr Murnane said the death of Hemphill's father had come as a terrible shock to her.
"Miss Hemphill now has a very clear motivation, indeed a determination, to get off ice," Mr Murnane said.
Mr Murnane said Hemphill's criminality since she became addicted to ice in December, 2013, was largely restricted to her continuing to drive, although she did have convictions for possessing and supplying a prohibited drug.
"That is the key to it, the use of ice," Mr Murnane said.
Hemphill is on a waiting list for a rehabilitation bed at O'Connor House, the court heard.
Ms Kennedy revoked a number of community service orders and good behaviour bonds imposed last September and resentenced Hemphill to jail terms and a fresh bond.
The effect of the jail terms was the non-parole periods expired on Sunday.
But Hemphill will still be on parole for about seven more months.
Ms Kennedy warned Hemphill if she drove during that time she would be jailed.
"You might feel glad you are getting out today, but with your history I am very concerned for you," Ms Kennedy told Hemphill.
"If you break your parole you will be in custody for a very long time.
"All you have to do is stay out of a car.
"It's not that hard.
"You are not a driver."
Hemphill was already disqualified from driving until mid 2029 and further disqualifications yesterday means she could be approaching middle age before she is legally allowed to drive again.
