Driver with “appalling” drink driving history found swerving on Moonie Highway

A man with a significant history of drink driving offences has appeared in court after being detected four times the legal limit at 11.39am.

A Western Downs man with an “appalling” record of drink driving has again fronted court after police found him swerving on the Moonie Highway.

Shaun Robert Burke appeared pleaded guilty in Dalby Magistrates Court to driving under the influence on February 13 2025.

The court was told police were called at about 11.39am after other drivers observed Burke dangerously swerving on the highway.

When police apprehended Burke and issued him a breath test he returned a high range reading of 0.186 and his licence was immediately disqualified.

The court was told Burke had been returning home from a rural property he had been working on at the time of the offending.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins urged the Magistrate to issue Burke a “crushing fine” due to his significant history of drink driving offences.

Burke had appeared before court in 2018 for another high range drink driving offence and his history was extensive.

When sentencing Magistrate Kathleen Payne noted that Burke accepted he had a problem with alcohol but described his history as “appalling”.

He was sentenced to a 12 month probation and 12 month license disqualification and a conviction was recorded.