Alexander Ruwoldt, 27, entered his plea at the first hearing of the matter in Horsham Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Matt Haughton told the court that Ruwoldt was stopped on October 25, 2016 at 4.44pm travelling north on Albert Street, Horsham.

“He said his car was being taken in for a service and he was tired of paying to have the interlock fitted,” Senior Constable Haughton said.

“He said he was driving his partner’s car.”

Ruwoldt told magistrate Mark Stratmann he had been ordered to drive with an interlock for two and a half years.

“About six months after that my son was born,” he said.

“My partner had complications and needed blood transfusions and is now unable to work.

“I’m the sole income earner.”

Ruwoldt said he had a full-time job and needed to drive to work that day in order to support his family.

Mr Stratmann asked if there would have been any way to get to work without driving a car.

Ruwold said he lived about five kilometres from his place of employment.

“I could have walked but it would have taken a while,” he said.

Mr Stratmann said the maximum penalty for Ruwoldt’s offence was four months in jail and 30 penalty units.

“Be aware that people regularly go to jail for this,” he said.

Mr Stratmann granted a 60-day stay on the fine in order to give Ruwoldt enough time to save money to pay it.