by a Court Chaplain
Martin was caught speeding three times in two days by speed cameras on a freeway. He was going through a bad time with a broken engagement and was not coping well.
Martin recognised that he was at fault and made a decision to take some control in his life and commenced seeing a Court Chaplain on a weekly basis to discuss his emotions at the time. It was suggested that he look at working through his issues by doing the Positive Living Skills Program
Martin commenced the program and completed all the session workbooks. This was not an easy task for Martin as he did not have a good time at school he felt by attending the Program, he was again going to experience being told he was stupid again. This was not the outcome and Martin attended the 8 week program never missing a session.
During the time we were working with him we saw noticeable behaviour changes in Martin. He became easier to live with and was becoming less stressed, and he gained the ability to have a calm conversation even when he became upset over something.
Martin had to attend Court charged with three speeding fines and the Court Chaplain prepared a report for the Court detailing Martin’s participation in the Positive Living Skills Program and was also able to attend Court with Martin for support. Martin’s solicitor advised the Magistrate that he was pleading guilty, she advised of Martin’s broken engagement and his mixed emotions at the time of the fines and she explained how he had made dramatic changes in his life after completing the Positive Living Skills Program. The Magistrate advised he had heard enough and was ready to pass sentence.
Martin was given a licence suspension and a fine which was a lot less than if he had not taken the matter to Court. Prior to the court hearing the Solicitor advised Martin he may go to gaol due to the speeds he had clocked up.
The essence of this short story is that it was not so much about Martin's issues leading up to the speeding fines that was taken into account, it was the fact that through participating in the Positive Living Skills Program Martin had made some positive and significant changes to his life moving forward.
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