Mitchell George Smith pleads guilty in Chinchilla Magistrates Court to drink driving

A Chinchilla man who was caught speeding and drink driving late one night said he was checking up on his yabby traps, a court was told.

A 21-year-old man dubbed Safety Mitch has landed in hot water after he went to check up on his yabby traps in a nearby dam.

Mitchell George Smith pleaded guilty in Chinchilla Magistrates Court to driving while over the middle alcohol limit.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins said on April 21 at about 11pm patrolling police noticed a NSW registered utility vehicle driving at speed along Zeller St, Chinchilla.

Police intercepted the vehicle and conducted a random breath test, with results showing a 0.108 blood alcohol concentration reading.

Driving more than double the legal drinking limit, the apprentice carpenter admitted to police he had consumed six full strength beers before getting behind the wheel to check on his yabby traps.

Smith, who was remorseful of his actions, told the court he had recently completed the Queensland Traffic Offenders Program and had no prior entries on his history.

Magistrate Kyna Morice said Smith was “very lucky” to not have been involved in an accident, but said she believed he had learnt his lesson.

“I’m encouraged by your responses (in the QTOP) homework sheets and the appreciation you have now of the severe consequences it can have, not only on drivers and passengers, but also other road users,” she said.

“The references all speak very highly of you and are shocked to say the least that you’re before the courts for this offence.

“One of them even stated your nickname is Safety Mitch - unfortunately not on this night.”

Ms Morice noted that because police dealt with the speeding matter separately and not before court, she would reduce the fine.

Smith was handed a $300 fine and disqualified from driving for three months. No conviction was recorded.