Star's offence 'severely wrong'
THE only driving basketball star Martin Cattalini will be doing for the next six months is to the hoop.
The Taipans captain was yesterday disqualified from driving for six months and fined $750 after he was caught more than twice over the limit on October 4.
He appeared in Cairns Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to registering 0.117 per cent when police pulled him over for a breath test on Kenny St, Portsmith about 5am.
Cattalini’s defence lawyer, Catherine Ross, said her client had been a professional basketballer since 1993 and this was the first time he had faced a court of law.
Ms Ross said the dual Olympian, who grew up in Fremantle, knew he was a role model in the community and that he had let people down by his actions.
She said Cattalini had been a large part of The Cairns Post’s Just Think campaign, which aimed to reduce alcohol related violence in the city.
"This has caused Mr Cattalini a lot of embarrassment," she said.
Ms Ross asked that no conviction be recorded because it could hurt Cattalini’s chances of gaining visas for overseas
travel.
Acting Magistrate Kerry McFadden said everyone was treated equally in the court of law.
He fined and disqualified the father of two, but did not record a conviction.
Outside court, Cattalini told reporters he was "happy it’s all over".
"I accept the court’s punishment," he said.
"Hopefully, people can learn from my mistakes.
"I was severely in the wrong.
"I’m very glad the police caught me when they did."
The Taipans introduced a comprehensive code of conduct document more than a year ago outlining the club’s stance on issues including drinking, gaming, responsible use of vehicles, and responsible sexual conduct.
Cattalini was suspended from the Taipans game against the New Zealand Breakers in October, after he was charged.
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Travel penalty: Cairns Taipans captain Martin Cattalini appears at Cairns Magistrates’ Court to face a drink-driving charge yesterday.
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