Well Bernard Tomic appeared in court yesterday and ended up being found guilty of 4 offences, failing to stop for police, failing to keep to the left of double lines and two counts of breaching the conditions of his licence. (P-plate drivers are not allowed to drive high-performance vehicles but Tomic had an exemption allowing him to carry out 'the duties of his career as a professional tennis player'.)
Tomic was fined a total of $1000 on the three lesser charges and placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond for the 'failing to stop' offence.
If he breaches the terms of the bond, he will forfeit a $750 surety.
Outside court, Tomic admitted early success on court had gone to his head.
"It was a huge year for me, my first ATP year," Tomic said. "I'm a normal guy."
"I was young and immature and that's what you do at a young age. I've had my fun the last year or two, but I have to step up."
So hopefully he has leant a valuable lesson. But! I think he still got off very lightly in court. He did not receive any licence suspension. Remember he was found guilty of two counts of breaching the conditions of his licence. Anyone else would have had their licence suspended. But then most of us could not afford to have an expensive lawyer appear for us.
But time will tell and I do hope he does pick his act up.
Kevin
