Probation for .25 test on a bicycle
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A MAN who rode a motorised bicycle drunk and crashed into a bus on Ross River Rd has been sentenced to probation.
Peter Heinz Groschel, 40, was disqualified from driving at the time of the incident as he had been convicted of drink driving three months earlier.
He pleaded guilty in Townsville Magistrates Court on Monday to riding with a blood- alcohol level of 0.25 per cent – five times the legal limit.
Prosecutor Sergeant Sharna Pegg said that at 3.25pm on February 4 a bus stopped on Ross River Rd and Groschel, riding the bicycle with an attached motor, crashed into its rear.
Groschel, who represented himself in court, said he was an alcoholic who had been attending rehabilitation. He said he was previously a skip truck driver and was finding it hard to get work since his licence was disqualified for drink driving.
Magistrate Steven Mosch said Groschel, a father- of- two, was lucky to survive the crash.
“I’m frankly amazed that you were even able to get on this bicycle and operate it,” he said. “Potentially you were a risk to other road users but primarily you were a risk to yourself. I think you’re very fortunate that you weren’t seriously injured or killed.”
Mr Mosch said Groschel would benefit from ongoing supervision and sentenced him to six months’ probation.
LUCY SMITH A DOCTOR banned as a company director in the UK for failing to adequately safeguard patients’ wellbeing and safety has withdrawn his application to work at Cairns Hospital.
Health Minister Steven Miles yesterday confirmed Dr Richard Wayne Seamark, who was being considered for the $ 400,000 role of clinical director of mental health of Cairns Hospital, had withdrawn his application.
“I have spoken to the chair and CEO today and can confirm that that candidate is no longer being considered for that position,” he said.