Soldier blows more than 3.5 times the legal limit while driving

A TOWNSVILLE soldier caught driving on an army base more than 3½ times the legal limit has avoided a conviction.

Military Police stopped the experienced rifleman on Melton Black Drive near the exit gate at Lavarack Barracks about 8.15pm on July 24.

Ayden Ahkeel Davis, 26, faced Townsville Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of liquor. Police prosecutor Cody Rowe said military police contacted the Queensland Police after pulling over Davis due to his state of intoxication.

“Police approached the defendant and observed (him) to be unsteady on his feet and he had bloodshot eyes,” Mr Rowe said.

Davis told officers that he had been drinking full-strength Great Northern beer at a function and was driving home.

“He was unsure how many he had consumed,” Mr Rowe said.

A test revealed Davis was more than 3½ times the legal limit with 0.181 per cent BAC.

Defence lawyer Shontelle Samuels said that her client’s “very poor decision” would have “dire consequences”.

“Being a member of the Australian Defence Force, he will be subject to disciplinary action from the military,” she said.

“Due to this he will suffer a significant pay decrease.

“He could well be terminated ultimately upon the conclusion of the disciplinary hearing … what we have here is a very poor decision that has led to a life-altering circumstance for him.”

Ms Samuels said Davis pleaded guilty at the earliest possible time and made frank admissions to police when pulled over.

She said the expectant father had his licence automatically suspended in June and had cycled 22km to and from work each day and was now visiting a psychologist.

In sentencing, Magistrate Ken Taylor said he took into account Davis’ military service, BAC level and early plea.

Mr Taylor said he decreased the punishment in the circumstances. Davis was fined $900 and disqualified from driving for eight months.

No conviction was recorded.