Richmond's Mark Coughlan facing driving ban
Aaron Langmaid and Brendan Roberts
April 15, 2009
RICHMOND footy star Mark Coughlan is facing a long driving ban after being caught talking on his mobile phone while driving.
It was the latest in a string of run-ins with traffic police.
He could be off the road for three months after losing the last of his demerit points.
Coughlan, 27, was nabbed on Monday - the same day the Tigers crashed to an embarrassing defeat against the Bulldogs. The club confirmed he was pulled over in Richmond and a fine was issued.
Coughlan is on the comeback trail after two knee reconstructions.
The 2003 best and fairest winner has impressed in the VFL and was a contender to play against the Bulldogs, but his return was delayed a week.
A spokesman would not speculate on whether Coughlan's brush with the law would affect his return.
Coughlan was one of more than 12,000 Victorians booked for traffic offences over the Easter holidays.
More than 600 motorists were caught for drink-driving under a police offensive that booked hundreds more for speeding, talking on mobiles and driving without a licence.
Supt Kevin Casey said motorists continued to ignore the road safety message and take chances on the road.
The top five trouble spots for Easter road offences were Moreland, Dandenong, Bendigo, Benalla and the city.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25335773-2862,00.html
