Fine for drunk learner driver

Blood alcohol of .111

A LEARNER driver had a blood alcohol level of .111 per cent and three passengers onboard when she lost control and crashed at Moolap in April, a court has heard.

Sarah Earnshaw, 20, of Clifton Springs, pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday to charges of exceeding .05, careless driving, being a learner driver without an experienced driver beside her and failing to give her name and address.

Police prosecutor, Leading Senior Constable Kylie Jane said that on April 1 this year, Earnshaw and some friends had been drinking in the Geelong CBD before travelling to a Leopold address.

‘‘During the early hours of April 2, the group left the Leopold address with Earnshaw driving,’’ she said.

‘‘Witnesses reported seeing the car being driven erratically and at fast speed on the Bellarine Hwy at Moolap.

‘‘While overtaking another vehicle, Earnshaw lost control and skidded in front of another car travelling in the same direction.

‘‘She left the roadway and hit a spoon drain, with the car flying into the air before coming to a stop on its roof.’’

Sen-Constable Jane said all occupants were able to walk away from the wreckage with Earnshaw and another passenger later being taken to Geelong Hospital.

The prosecutor said the male owner of the car told police he was the driver.

‘‘A blood test taken from Earnshaw at hospital showed she had a blood alcohol level of .111,’’ SenConstable Jane said.

‘‘ On April 18, she contacted police and admitted she was the driver at the time of the crash.

‘‘When asked her reason for drink driving, Earnshaw replied, ‘I don’t really have one – just stupidity’.’’

Earnshaw, who was unrepresented, told the court she thought she was fine to drive that night and just wanted to go home.

She said she would have to pay off the damage to the vehicle but no agreement had been made with the owner.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie said Earnshaw was very lucky she didn’t kill someone.

‘‘There were two other very serious possibilities,’’ she said. ‘‘You either ended six-foot under or spent the next five years sitting in a jail cell for killing someone else.’’

Earnshaw was convicted on all counts, fined $1500 and disqualified from driving for 11 months.