The Cairns District Court has concluded its December 2024 sittings, delivering a series of verdicts and sentences for a range of offences. The court heard matters from across the Far North, with Judge Dean Morzone presiding over the proceedings.
Notable Cases and Sentencing Outcomes
Among the cases finalised, Dylan James Murray, 24, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance. The court heard that Murray was involved in a single-vehicle crash at Mount Molloy on December 12, 2022. He was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, with the term suspended immediately for an operational period of three years. His driver's licence was also disqualified for two years.
In a fraud case, Jodie Maree Bassani, 43, faced charges of fraud and stealing. The charges related to incidents occurring in Cairns between October 2021 and February 2022. Bassani was convicted and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. The sentence was wholly suspended for three years, and she was ordered to pay restitution of $500.
Driving Offences and Community-Based Orders
The court dealt with several traffic-related matters. Steven John Geary, 61, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of liquor. This offence took place at Holloways Beach on April 21, 2024. Geary was convicted and fined $1200, and his licence was disqualified for seven months.
Kane Robert Gibson, 28, was sentenced for driving without a licence in Cairns on May 10, 2024. He received a conviction and a $750 fine. In another matter, Kane William Gibson, 25, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified by a court order at Edmonton on March 8, 2024. He was sentenced to two months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and disqualified from driving for one year.
The court also handed down a community-based order. Jai James Kelly, 24, was sentenced for possessing dangerous drugs and utensils in a Cairns public place on November 18, 2023. He was convicted and placed on a 12-month probation order.
Court Process and Legal Proceedings
The sittings demonstrated the standard court process for resolving criminal matters in the District Court. This includes the entering of pleas, the presentation of facts, and the imposition of sentences which can range from fines and licence disqualifications to suspended prison terms. The outcomes reflect the court's consideration of the circumstances of each offence and the offender.
The completion of these sittings clears the court's docket for this period, with all mentioned matters now finalised. The cases highlight the variety of issues, from public safety concerns on the road to financial crimes, that come before the Cairns District Court.
