Lam Nguyen, 26, from Vietnam, but who was living in Strathmerton at the time, pleaded guilty in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court to careless driving and driving while using her phone
Prosecutor Senior Constable Kerrie Thomson said Nguyen became distracted by her phone falling off her lap while driving on Katunga-Picola Rd at Katunga on December 18, 2024.
The court heard that while trying to retrieve her phone, Nguyen swerved and over-corrected the car, driving into an embankment.
After driving a further 10 metres, she crashed through fencing and came to a stop on an embankment, causing significant damage to the car.
Sen Constable Thomson said police believe the incident covered about 50 metres and began when Nguyen’s phone fell off her lap.
The court heard she had no prior convictions.
Representing herself in court, Nguyen apologised for her “carelessness”.
She told the court she was working on a farm at Katunga, and the car involved in the incident belonged to her boss.
Nguyen said she arrived in Australia on October 15, 2024, from her home country of Vietnam and wished to extend her working holiday visa for a second year.
Magistrate Amina Bhai said incidents like this were “somewhat difficult matters”.
“It was a momentary event which had significant consequences … and very fortunately the consequences were very minute,” she said.
Nguyen was fined $500 and no conviction was recorded.
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