Tyler Morritt, 21, from Tatura, pleaded guilty in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court to careless driving.
Prosecutor Senior Constable Luke Lund told the court Morritt did a burnout at the corner of Pyke Rd and Dhurringile Rd at Tatura on February 22.
He said the burnout lasted for about 10 seconds, leaving a 60m mark on the road.
The court heard Morritt was seen doing the burnout by another motorist, who reported it to police.
Morritt’s car was impounded at the time.
Morritt admitted to police he was the driver, but told them “I wasn’t trying to do anything wrong” and that he had come up to the intersection “too quick”, Sen Constable Lund said.
“I over-corrected trying to straighten up,” Sen Constable Lund said Morritt told police.
Morritt’s solicitor Megan McKenna told the court her client had not had “any dealings with police before”.
She said it was “more of a swerve” than a circle-shaped burnout, but that Morritt agreed that the driving was inappropriate.
Ms McKenna said the third-year apprentice had already had to pay a $1070 impoundment fee to have his car released, which she said was an “incredible penalty” for someone earning apprentice wages.
Magistrate Victoria Campbell fined Morritt $500, but did not record a conviction.
She also did not interfere with his licence, saying she was satisfied he would not be back before the court again.
However, Morritt will have to complete a safe driver program.
“Young men, powerful vehicles and country roads can be a fatal combination,” Ms Campbell said.
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