Dalby court: Drink driver blames ‘holiday mode’ for reckless antics

A drink driver who was seen swerving across the highway while drink driving attempted to blame his careless behaviour on the holiday season while in Dalby court. See what the magistrate said.

Jordan Graham Cook-Revell was sentenced in Dalby Magistrates Court for driving under the influence, 2023. Picture: Facebook

A young man put the lives of other motorists at risk when he drove from Gatton to Dalby while four times the alcohol limit, claiming he was in “holiday mode”.

Concerned drivers notified police that Jordan Graham Cook-Revell was swerving across the Warrego Highway on October 22 last year.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins told Dalby Magistrates Court when the 21-year-old was pulled over by police and asked if he would blow over the legal limit, Cook-Revell responded by saying “Oh definitely”.

The Northern Territory man provided a reading of 0.204.

Defence lawyer Claire Graham said her client was on holidays at the time and was searching for a job.

“He was essentially on holiday mode and made a foolish decision to drive,” Ms Graham said.

The court heard the man, who has a history of drink driving, spent eight hours in the Dalby watch house.

Magistrate Kyna Morice noted the offence provided a higher breath analysis than the last.

“While I understand the sentiment, to say he was on holiday mode is not an excuse,” Magistrate Morice said.

“To drive from Gatton and get stopped in Dalby is an incredibly long way to drive while over 0.2.”

Ms Graham highlighted the loss of licence would be a harsh penalty for Cook-Revell due to living in the isolated Northern Territory.

Magistrate Morice acknowledged the difficulties that would arise from a disqualified licence but emphasised the significant danger he posed to other road users.

“You’re lucky you didn’t kill yourself or someone else,” she said.

“The fact you made an admission to police you were over is a double-edged sword because you were co-operating but you knew you shouldn’t have been driving.

“You see how many people die on the roads.”

Cook-Revell pleaded guilty to driving under the influence.

He was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving for eight months.