John William Fodem sentenced in Dalby Magistrates Court after shocking Western Downs vehicle rollover

A Western Downs man lost more than his licence after getting behind the wheel almost four times the legal limit, with the drunk driver rolling his car several times completely destroying the vehicle. See what he had to say in court.

A man with a “terrible history” has been given a stern warning about his driving in court after he was busted with another driving offence, this time getting behind the wheel at almost four times the legal limit and causing it to roll.

John William Fodem appeared in Dalby Magistrates Court on September 26 after he caused a single-vehicle crash on a rural road where emergency services were called to the scene.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins said the 50-year-old, who had seven previous offences of like nature, was driving on Western Rd at The Gums on July 14 when he lost control of his vehicle.

“He was in the back of the ambulance being treated when police took up with the witness on the scene who identified herself as the partner of (Fodem),” Sergeant Hutchins said.

“(Police) got his details and he admitted he lost control causing the car to roll several times.”

The court was told when police took a sample of the man’s blood he presented a reading of 0.177, it was also discovered the man had been driving unlicensed.

“He has a terrible history, whether they’re drink driving or unlicensed driving offences,” Sergeant Hutchins said.

“When you have a crash where you roll a substantial amount of times, it’s a significant UIL matter and he probably needs assistance or supervision.”

Defence lawyer Sarah Campbell said her client’s vehicle was written off due to the crash and will already be of “significant financial detriment” to him.

“He wasn’t driving very far which is a contributing reason for him driving,” she said.

She added that the man, who was a station manager for multiple farms in the Western Downs, would suffer greatly as they come into drought season because of his responsibilities in the remote locations.

Fodem pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence and driving unlicensed.

He was fined $1200 and disqualified from driving for 10 months.