A North Queensland motorist has faced the consequences after recording a staggering blood alcohol reading that left court officials shaking their heads in disbelief.
Michael John May appeared in Ingham Magistrates Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to high-range drink driving following a traffic stop that revealed his alarming condition behind the wheel.
The court heard that police intercepted May's vehicle on a road in the Ingham area, where he subsequently provided a breath sample that registered 0.217% - more than four times the legal blood alcohol concentration limit of 0.05% for Queensland drivers.
Magistrate Steven Mosch presiding over the case did not mince words when addressing the severity of the offence. The court considered both the exceptionally high reading and May's driving record when determining the appropriate penalty.
In a decision that reflects the serious nature of high-range drink driving offences, May was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver's licence for a period of nine months. The court also imposed a $1,200 fine as part of his sentence.
This case serves as a stark reminder to all motorists about the severe consequences of driving under the influence. Queensland police continue to crack down on drink driving offences across the state, with particular focus on regional areas where distance and limited public transport options sometimes lead to poor decision-making.
The conviction comes amid ongoing road safety campaigns throughout North Queensland, where authorities are working to reduce alcohol-related accidents and fatalities on regional roads.
