“FORMER Parramatta Eels star Kenny Edwards’ “appalling” traffic record — which includes more than a dozen infringements — has been revealed in court after he was this morning disqualified from getting behind the wheel for six months.
The 29-year-old — who is now based in France after signing a deal to join Super League side Catalans Dragons — fronted Fairfield Local Court where he received the six-month disqualification for driving while suspended in Merrylands West in April this year. He was also fined $600.
A court heard today of former NRL star Kenny Edwards’s “appalling” traffic record.
It can now be revealed that Edwards — who has never progressed past a learner’s licence — has a traffic record dating back to 2009, including nine minor speeding offences. This includes once in a school zone in 2013.
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His licence has also been suspended 10 times, four of which came from not paying fines.
Edwards was also once fined $530 for parking in a disabled spot and $319 for using a mobile phone while behind the wheel, his traffic record shows.
The court heard that Edwards got behind the wheel while suspended in April to go to a “work commitment” at the club.
Kenny Edwards received the 6-month disqualification for driving while suspended.
His partner was planning to drive him but there was an issue with their youngest child at preschool and she had to go there instead.
“He took the easy option,” lawyer Andrew O’Brien said.
Police did a U-turn to try to stop Edwards driving a black Holden Cruze on Sherwood Rd at 7.44am on April 19, but he turned left and parked in a driveway of unit blocks.
When the officers arrived in the carpark the vehicle was unattended and they saw Edwards trying to enter a hotel, agreed facts state.
Edwards was on a suspension for driving as an L-plater while unaccompanied in March.
In handing down the six-month disqualification to begin from October 29, Magistrate Roger Prowse called Edwards’ record “appalling”.
Kenny Edwards said he’s like to return to Australia to play for the Eels again. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
“I take into account your record is appalling — you did the right thing in May 2008 and got yourself a learner’s licence but after that you decided applying the traffic laws wasn’t part of your game plan, to use that expression,” he said.
“You haven’t progressed past your learner’s licence all the way up to now effectively.”
He also warned him he would face jail if he didn’t start to obey the road rules.
“I would suggest you get yourself a licence when you come back to Australia before you drive again otherwise you’ll be able to tell the chaps at Silverwater that you used to be a really good footballer as they chase you around and around and around the exercise yard,” he said.
Kenny Edwards arrives at court today.
Former NRL player Kenny Edwards.
“If you can play rugby league at a high level you’ve clearly got something between your ears holding them apart, might be a good idea to put that into action and get yourself a licence.”
Mr O’Brien told the court that Edwards lost his job at the Eels as a result of the offence but had secured employment with the Dragons in France. He said it had a large “pecuniary” impact.
Outside court Edwards said it was “always on my radar” to come back and play for the NRL.
“I am (hoping to come back and play for Parramatta) 100 per cent,” he said.
“I love it, beautiful country the south of France, nothing like home but.”
Edwards will fly out of Australia on Monday.”
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