Coffs Harbour Councillor in Court for Driving Offences

A Coffs Harbour City Councillor faced court on Monday after being caught driving a vehicle with unauthorised number plates.

John Jorah Arkan, 51, was caught making an illegal U-turn at Moonee Beach in July.

When Highway Patrol stopped the Coffs Harbour City Councillor, it was discovered that not only was the bus unregistered and uninsured, but also had number plates for a 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser owned by Arkan, instead of the Toyota Coaster Bus he was driving.

Councillor Arkan pleaded guilty to all charges on Monday in front of Magistrate Robert Walker at Coffs Harbour Local Court.

Arkan was understood to be travelling south in the bus loaded with buckets of food, ignoring the clear 'No U-turn' sign.

The Councillor who unsuccessfully ran for the seat of Cowper in the Federal Election, told police the vehicle was registered, however police argued that Arkan was aware, using the unauthorised plates to disguise its identity.

Councillor John Arkan was fined $200 for the illegal u-turn and placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond for the three charges relating to the unregistered vehicle, uninsured vehicle and unauthorised number plates.

Triple M has contacted the councillor for comment.