Hefty fine for Uber wait

WAITING in her car for an Uber has had serious consequences for a Toowoomba woman who was charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence.

After a night out on the town, Shameka Julie Leeding looked to escape the bitter Toowoomba winter in the comfort of her car while waiting for an Uber, Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told.

About 1.40am on June 11 this year, the 19-year-old was caught on City Safe CCTV cameras staggering down Ruthven Street, visibly intoxicated, and getting in a car.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Natalie Bugden said fearing that Leeding would then drive away, a camera operator contacted police.

About 1.47am, officers patrolling the precinct parked their vehicle, blocking Leeding’s vehicle from leaving.

Sergeant Bugden said police noticed the vehicle’s driving and brake lights were on, with Leeding sitting in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition, however the vehicle was not on.

The court was told Leeding said to the officers she had been drinking that night and was waiting for an Uber to take her home, but had decided to get in her car to stay warm and that she had no intention to drive.

“She was unable to provide any reason why she didn’t catch an Uber from around the Subway where she was first noticed by City Safe cameras,” Sergeant Bugden said.

Leeding was breath tested and returned a reading of 0.160.

After being physically escorted to the police vehicle, she kicked out at the pod door as officers attempted to close it.

In court on Tuesday, Leeding pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor and obstructing a police officer.

Leeding’s solicitor SarahJane MacDonald reiterated her client had no intention of driving that night, and had shown officers the Uber app that a driver was on their way.

“It was a cold winter’s night in June in Toowoomba, and unfortunately she made the silly mistake of sitting in her vehicle to stay warm while waiting for that Uber,” Ms MacDonald said.

Magistrate Kay Ryan said while it might seem harsh, having the brake lights and driving lights on gave police a reasonable suspicion that she was “going to take off”.

“Not a good plan,” Ms Ryan said.

Leeding was fined $1500, which was referred to SPER, and disqualified from driving for six months. No convictions were recorded.