By 3 News online staff
Warriors' fullback Kevin Locke has pleaded guilty to two charges of driving while disqualified.
Locke appeared in North Shore District Court this afternoon where he was disqualified from driving for a year and fined $900 for driving while suspended.
Locke’s lawyer Sumundu Basnayake applied for permanent name suppression on the grounds that publication of his details could damage his reputation and career, as well as affecting any sponsorship deals but the suppression was denied.
Fairfax Media has reported that Judge Nevin Dawson lifted the name suppression in the interest of “open justice” and that any subsequent damage was a result of his offending.
"I see no reason to conceal the matters because he is a high profile rugby player."
Locke was suspended from driving for three months in December 2010 but was caught driving on January 3 in Whangarei and on February 23 was pulled over for speeding in Auckland.
The 22-year-old’s community service was taken into account as well as a letter from the Warriors club, but Judge Dawson said Locke is a “role model” and must obey the law.
“Nevertheless you offended twice. If you are to be a role model for children, you need to observe the law. Children notice what you do, not just what you say."
3 News