A Townsville man has faced serious consequences after being caught driving with an alcohol reading more than three times the legal limit.
Court hears shocking details of drink driving incident
Dean Michael Barnes appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court this week where he pleaded guilty to one count of driving under the influence of liquor. The court heard that police detected the 34-year-old driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.179% - significantly above Queensland's legal limit of 0.05%.
The offence occurred on December 16, 2023 when Barnes was pulled over by police during a routine traffic operation. Officers immediately noticed signs of intoxication and administered a breath test, which returned the high-range reading.
Magistrate delivers stern warning with sentence
Magistrate Ross Mack did not mince words when addressing Barnes in court. He emphasized the serious nature of high-range drink driving offences and the potential danger they pose to the community.
The court imposed a $1200 fine and disqualified Barnes from holding or obtaining a driver's licence for six months. This penalty reflects the gravity of driving with such a high blood alcohol level.
During sentencing, Magistrate Mack highlighted that Barnes' reading placed him in the high-range category under Queensland's drink driving laws. The legal system treats such offences with increasing severity as blood alcohol levels rise above the legal threshold.
Community impact and legal consequences
This case serves as a stark reminder of Queensland's strict drink driving laws and their enforcement. Police continue to conduct regular roadside testing throughout Townsville and surrounding areas to detect impaired drivers.
The conviction will remain on Barnes' criminal record, and the licence disqualification means he cannot legally operate any motor vehicle during the six-month period. Driving while disqualified carries additional severe penalties including possible imprisonment.
Queensland Transport authorities have repeatedly warned that drink driving remains one of the leading causes of road fatalities and serious injuries in the state. The community continues to bear the tragic consequences of drivers who choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
This case demonstrates that courts are taking a firm stance against high-range drink driving offences, with significant financial penalties and mandatory licence disqualifications serving as deterrents to other potential offenders.
