23 breath tests for no result

DESPITE being given 23 chances, Westbrook man Abraham Awai Piok failed to provide a specimen of breath for testing.

Failing to provide breath for testing by police brought a charge which equated to a high-range drink-driving offence, police prosecutor Senior Constable Chris Willson told Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

Witnesses who had seen Piok driving erratically, almost colliding with a power pole and two parked cars in Westbrook about 7pm, August 24, called police, the court heard.

Piok, 49, told police he had driven from Glenvale and appeared unsteady on his feet.

Given 19 chances to provide a sample of breath for a roadside test, Piok failed to provide enough breath and was taken to Toowoomba Police Station where despite another four opportunities he failed to provide breath, Snr Const. Willson said.

Piok pleaded guilty. Magistrate Kay Ryan fined him $1000 and disqualified him from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence for six months but ordered the conviction not be recorded.