Gold Coast Titans forward Josh Patston appeared in Ballina Local Court on Thursday, facing charges related to a seatbelt offence detected by a mobile traffic camera. The incident occurred on January 25 at around 9 p.m. on the Bruxner Highway at Uralba, west of Ballina, when a Transport for NSW camera captured Patston’s vehicle, a white Kia Sorento, being driven with a passenger not properly restrained.

Court documents and photographic evidence presented during the hearing showed Patston driving alongside his pregnant partner, who was seated in the front passenger seat. Although the woman appeared to be buckled in, the seatbelt sash could be seen positioned incorrectly, running along her side rather than across her shoulder. A dog was also visible inside the vehicle, standing upright between the front seats.

Patston’s defence lawyer explained that the passenger initially fastened her seatbelt correctly but loosened it to restrain the dog, which moved forward unexpectedly. The lawyer described this action as a “split-second” response to manage the pet in the car. The defence conceded that the adjustment “shouldn’t have happened, but it did,” and asked for leniency based on Patston’s early guilty plea, character references submitted on his behalf, and completion of an online traffic offenders safety program prior to sentencing.

Judge Kathy Crittenden acknowledged the explanation, accepting that the passenger’s reaction was due to the dog’s movement in the vehicle. She emphasized the recent introduction of mobile traffic enforcement cameras aimed at reducing road fatalities and serious injuries. The judge reiterated that it is ultimately the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all vehicle occupants correctly adjust and fasten their seatbelts.

In sentencing, Judge Crittenden placed Patston on a three-month conditional release order without recording a conviction, noting his prompt admission of guilt and cooperation with the court process.