Traffic terrors: Disability pensioner's identity crisis turns roadways into ‘fine’ mess!
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Imagine going about your daily life, only to find yourself drowning in a sea of traffic fines totalling a staggering $20,000.
Now, imagine that you didn't commit any of the offences for which you've been fined.
This is the bewildering situation that a disability pensioner and part-time pizza delivery driver found himself in—a victim of what appears to be a case of identity fraud that has turned his life upside down.
Colac resident Kelvin Bellette's ordeal began with the loss of his wallet on the Mornington Peninsula in 2021.
When the wallet was returned to him, his driver's licence was missing. Since then, he has been bombarded with nearly 60 traffic infringement notices from the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding areas for offences he insists he never committed.
These include speeding and driving without a seatbelt—violations that have had a profound impact on his life and livelihood.
The consequences were severe. According to Kelvin, ‘I lost my licence for 12 months. I couldn't do anything. I thought I was a let-down in society, but now I have a job.’
However, he has since managed to get back on his feet and is working again as a pizza delivery driver, but the shadow of false accusations continues to loom over him.
Working with a Colac law firm, Kelvin has been fighting to clear his name. Law clerk Sophie Millar has been instrumental in this battle, assisting Kelvin in rejecting each false nomination.
It's been a gruelling process, but there's light at the end of the tunnel. Almost all of the fines have been cleared or are in the process of being removed.
‘We're feeling that we're on the far side of things and getting towards the end,’ Ms Millar stated.
Only two fines, totalling about $1,500, remain outstanding, requiring a court application to resolve.
Unfortunately, just when it seemed things were improving, Kelvin was hit with yet another speeding ticket, falsely nominated under his name for an offence in Heidelberg, in Northeast Melbourne.
This latest accusation came on the very day his plight was first covered by the media, suggesting that his details are still being misused.
The legal team requested a licence change to prevent future false nominations, and Fines Victoria provided a list of names of individuals who have nominated Kelvin.
However, according to Ms Millar, attempts to track down these individuals and the businesses involved have been fruitless.
There's speculation that Kelvin's details may have been circulated in Facebook black market groups or by word of mouth, as the infringements are localised to specific areas.
Despite the gravity of the situation, police have yet to investigate. Kelvin felt ‘disappointed’ with the lack of action, having visited the police twice, including once with his lawyers on January 16.
According to a Victoria Police spokesperson, they had not initiated an investigation because Mr Bellette had not filed an official report.
Once reported, police assured that an investigation would commence. Ms Millar, however, expressed her assumption that police would investigate, focusing on clearing Mr Bellette's debt.
She anticipates Mr Bellette would file a formal report to prompt police action.
Amidst the controversy surrounding false traffic fines affecting Kelvin Bellette in Victoria, where legal actions are being strategised to clear his name and prompt a police investigation, the state's drivers are experiencing a transformative shift.
A recent digital update enhanced convenience and protection on the roads, and drivers are embracing new possibilities that promise to streamline and protect their daily commute and interactions with authorities.
What are your thoughts on Mr Bellette’s case? Do you think a digital licence would reduce cases similar to his? Let us know your insights in the comments below.
Now, imagine that you didn't commit any of the offences for which you've been fined.
This is the bewildering situation that a disability pensioner and part-time pizza delivery driver found himself in—a victim of what appears to be a case of identity fraud that has turned his life upside down.
Colac resident Kelvin Bellette's ordeal began with the loss of his wallet on the Mornington Peninsula in 2021.
When the wallet was returned to him, his driver's licence was missing. Since then, he has been bombarded with nearly 60 traffic infringement notices from the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding areas for offences he insists he never committed.
These include speeding and driving without a seatbelt—violations that have had a profound impact on his life and livelihood.
Victorian disability pensioner Kelvin Bellette has nearly been cleared of nearly 60 false traffic infringements totalling over $20,000. Credit: Instagram / Yahoo News Australia
The consequences were severe. According to Kelvin, ‘I lost my licence for 12 months. I couldn't do anything. I thought I was a let-down in society, but now I have a job.’
However, he has since managed to get back on his feet and is working again as a pizza delivery driver, but the shadow of false accusations continues to loom over him.
Working with a Colac law firm, Kelvin has been fighting to clear his name. Law clerk Sophie Millar has been instrumental in this battle, assisting Kelvin in rejecting each false nomination.
It's been a gruelling process, but there's light at the end of the tunnel. Almost all of the fines have been cleared or are in the process of being removed.
‘We're feeling that we're on the far side of things and getting towards the end,’ Ms Millar stated.
Only two fines, totalling about $1,500, remain outstanding, requiring a court application to resolve.
Unfortunately, just when it seemed things were improving, Kelvin was hit with yet another speeding ticket, falsely nominated under his name for an offence in Heidelberg, in Northeast Melbourne.
This latest accusation came on the very day his plight was first covered by the media, suggesting that his details are still being misused.
The legal team requested a licence change to prevent future false nominations, and Fines Victoria provided a list of names of individuals who have nominated Kelvin.
However, according to Ms Millar, attempts to track down these individuals and the businesses involved have been fruitless.
There's speculation that Kelvin's details may have been circulated in Facebook black market groups or by word of mouth, as the infringements are localised to specific areas.
Despite the gravity of the situation, police have yet to investigate. Kelvin felt ‘disappointed’ with the lack of action, having visited the police twice, including once with his lawyers on January 16.
According to a Victoria Police spokesperson, they had not initiated an investigation because Mr Bellette had not filed an official report.
Once reported, police assured that an investigation would commence. Ms Millar, however, expressed her assumption that police would investigate, focusing on clearing Mr Bellette's debt.
She anticipates Mr Bellette would file a formal report to prompt police action.
Amidst the controversy surrounding false traffic fines affecting Kelvin Bellette in Victoria, where legal actions are being strategised to clear his name and prompt a police investigation, the state's drivers are experiencing a transformative shift.
A recent digital update enhanced convenience and protection on the roads, and drivers are embracing new possibilities that promise to streamline and protect their daily commute and interactions with authorities.
What are your thoughts on Mr Bellette’s case? Do you think a digital licence would reduce cases similar to his? Let us know your insights in the comments below.
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