‘Polite’ drink driver fined

Woman’s co-operation with police makes mention in court facts

WHEN a woman was pulled over for a random breath test on her way home last month, she didn’t become abusive or angry towards police.

Rather, her character was so polite and remorseful police officers made special mention of her co-operation and remorse in the facts read out in Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

The court heard Elizabeth Mary Wallace, 53, had drunk a number of mid-strength beers and a single shot of Sambucca on February 26.

Wallace had just attended farewell drinks at the Meringandan Hotel and, that night, was intercepted for a random breath test.

She returned a positive roadside test and recorded 0.158% on a follow-up test.

At no point did Wallace become aggressive or argumentative with police, but was co-operative and polite, the court heard.

Solicitor Andrea Hohn, for Wallace, said her client regretted the decision to drive home that night, and was genuinely remorseful for her actions.

Ms Hohn said Wallace had been at a farewell get together at the pub and when she finished her shift at the pub’s bottle shop, drank seven pots of mid-strength beer over a number of hours.

Wallace ended the night with a single shot of Sambucca then went to drive the 560 metres to her home.

Ms Hohn said Wallace, a support worker for two agencies, needed her licence for work, but accepted her licence would be disqualified due to the guilty plea to driving under the influence of liquor.

Acting Magistrate Jason Schubert noted Wallace’s politeness with police, as well as four character references given to court, in handing down his sentence.

Mr Schubert referenced the fact Wallace was “three times the legal limit” when caught by police, and fined her $1000 with a seven month disqualification.

The conviction was recorded due to the “seriousness of the offence”, Mr Schubert said.