Man’s selfimposed rehab helps in penalty

A TOOWOOMBA man’s own attempts of rehabilitation has been recognised by the city’s Magistrates Court where he was fined for a number of drunken incidents.

Andrew Michael Stangret had been found by police called to a disturbance at a James unit complex about 7.15pm, April 24, on the balcony of a flat occupied by an 89-year-old woman.

The woman told police she did not know Stangret who had turned up at the unit drunk, knocking on the door and saying he wanted to talk but she told him to leave.

An hour later the woman found the 39-year-old lying on her patio, police prosecutor Tim Hutton said.

Sergeant Hutton said at the watch house Stangret was breath tested as part of a health check and he had a breath/alcohol reading of 0.294.

Four days later about 5.45pm police were called to Toowoomba Hospital where Stangret was being treated for alcohol withdrawal.

He was causing a disturbance and verbally abusing staff.

This time he blew 0.214 even though it had been about five hours since his last drink, Sgt Hutton said.

He then failed to report to police as part of his bail on two occasions, telling police he was too drunk to attend.

Stangret pleaded guilty to trespassing, public nuisance and breaching bail.

He said he had since admitted himself into a Brisbane rehab clinic and was seeing a psychologist.

Magistrate Howard Osborne said he initially considered probation but due his rehabilitation efforts fined Stangret a total $1100 instead.