Former NRL player Sam Burgess appeared at Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday to face three driving-related charges.
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Appearing before Magistrate Mark Douglass, Mr Burgess plead guilty to the following charges:
- Resident of three months not obtain NSW licence - first offence.
- Use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on the road.
- Drive motor vehicle with illicit drug present in oral fluid - first offence.
All three incidents occurred on February 22 in Braemar.
His lawyer, Bryan Wrench, said his client had paid his fines immediately and two days after he had been charged went "straight away and converted his UK licence to an Australian licence."
"We don't wish to trouble the court with these matters," he said.
"There was no speeding, no swerving, no signs of intoxication, alcohol or illegal substances whatsoever. There were trace elements.
"He was wrongfully convicted two weeks before this and it was the straw that broke the camel's back.
"He has since made significant steps and was redeemed by acquittal and is seeking support from a residential rehabilitation program."
Mr Wrench said that Mr Burgess had undergone eight separate drug tests and had tested negative.
Magistrate Douglass said he was satisfied that Mr Burgess had shown remorse.
"There's a real dichotomy here, the Sam Burgess before the 22nd setting a bad example in the community and to those looking up to him and the Sam Burgess after the 22nd who has been in rehab and seen to conform and undergo to a strict regime in non use of drugs," he said.
Mr Burgess was ordered to pay two $581 fines in relation to driving unlicensed and driving an unregistered vehicle, which totaled to $1,162.
He was also handed a nine-month release order in relation to driving with an illicit drug present in oral fluid and must participate in a registered traffic offenders program to be completed by July 30. No conviction was recorded.