Drunken search for ex-wife crashes out

A CHARTERS Towers man who crashed his car through a neighbourhood fence while searching for his ex-wife has been charged with driving under the influence of liquor.

Adrian Francis Hope, 43, was five times over the legal limit (0.271 per cent blood alcohol concentration) when the incident occurred at 10pm on May 31.

Magistrate Stephen Mosch said a substantial punishment was in order as this was not Hope’s first drink driving offence.

Prosecutor Tim Madsen told the court police said Hope told them after the incident that a medical episode occurred while he was at the wheel.

When paramedics arrived on the scene and initially screened Hope for signs of a medical episode, they found no evidence one had occurred, the court heard.

Mr Mosch was quick to point out it was more than likely the alcohol had put the accused in a state where he believed a medical episode had happened.

“Maybe if you believe that you are susceptible to medical episodes then you should take into account how much you drink,” he told Hope.

Hope, who represented himself, said he was worried about the wellbeing of his exwife after a heated verbal altercation saw her storm out of their home.

Mr Mosch was unsympathetic towards Hope and made an example of him to the court.

“We have to ensure we are sending a message to you and to the community that this is severely unacceptable,” he said.

“Although it may have seemed like the admirable thing to do at the time there were plenty of other avenues to explore in pursuit of your partner.”

The father of three was fined $1750 and disqualified from driving for 18 months.