Drink-driving bust
Navy man’s career in jeopardy after fines
A NAVY serviceman believed he had a “fifty-fifty” chance of losing his job after being busted for drink-driving twice in three days while off duty during a messy break-up.
Andrew James Quinn, 49, has been handed fines totalling $2200 and has lost his license for two years after pleading guilty to two counts of drink-driving and one count of disqualified driving in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Thursday.
The court heard Quinn’s 11-year defence force career was on a knife edge, having already been given an internal “show cause” notice, with a senior officer in court to watch the proceedings.
The court heard he was initially busted behind the wheel driving without headlights on around Portsmith on May 24 and registered a blood alcohol reading of 0.189 per cent — more than three times the legal limit.
Police prosecutor Codi Dalley said he told police he had drunk a bottle of wine and four Pure Blonde beers over several hours before driving.
Just three days later on the morning of May 27 he was pulled over again, despite having his licence disqualified after the first incident, and had a reading of 0.069 per cent.
Ms Dalley said he told police on that occasion he had drunk two bottles of white wine the night before, then polished off another glass for breakfast before driving.
Defence solicitor Garth Smith said his client had “historic alcohol problems” and was going through a marriage breakdown when the two incidents occurred.
“He instructs me he hasn’t had a drink since the 27th of May,” he said.
“The vehicle is still where it was when police pulled him up. He knows he is in a do-ordie situation in relation (to work).
“He believes he has turned a corner … he’s going to continue in the navy if he can.
“He (believes) he is a fiftyfifty chance of remaining in the navy.”
Magistrate Eric Browne acknowledged Quinn’s insignificant traffic history and said it was clear he had a “good service record” and was providing a “service to the country” in the navy. He was issued with the fines and license disqualification.