Matthew Giles Knight, 47, gave police reasons why he had not rested for the required amount of time, listing reasons of under-staffing in an extremely busy period.

Knight had rested for 19 continuous hours in a 14 days of working, but was required to have taken two consecutive nights rest for that period.

His legal representative David Davidge explained that these reasons were certainly not meant to excuse the behaviour.

He drew the courts attention to a character reference by his employer, who Mr Davidge said "was not in the habit of providing references for court", yet made an exception in Knight's case.

The reference told of Knight's professionalism and reliability as a truck driver. He asked the court to consider a conditional release order with a small fine as punishment.

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Representing Roads and Maritime Services, Nicholas Wordsworth said it was a unusual charge.

"It is the first time in 30 years I've seen this charge," Mr Wordsworth said.

Magistrate Joy Boulos gave Knight a $200 fine with $200 to be paid in professional costs.