Anthony Whiteway, 37, was charged with committing an act likely to endanger the life, health or safety of a person, and faced Newman Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The whole point is he was
charged with an offence which is essentially one of criminal negligence. I have no doubt whatsoever that he was also charged with a number of offences relating to the use of an unregistered and unroadworthy vehicle on a highway. He wasn't charged with offences under the aviation law as best as I can see and neither should he be.
The question now is what he was
convicted of. The fine no doubt reflects a consolidation of several matters.
In the circumstances, I would describe it as a significant penalty but probably within range. Most punters would be more concerned by the conviction than the amount of the fine as a conviction has many serious consequences including difficulties with employment and international travel.
Kaz