Kale Bruce Lesley Young had 12 vodka lemonades before driving and crashing in Boyne Island

A young Gladstone region man caused his female passenger serious harm when he crashed his car in Boyne Island after a 12-drink bender.

A drunk driver had 12 vodka lemonades before crashing his car, leaving his passenger with injuries so serious she had to be airlifted to hospital.

Kale Bruce Lesley Young, 24, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Monday to drink driving over the middle alcohol limit.

Kale Bruce Lesley Young, 24, pleaded guilty to drink driving over the middle alcohol limit.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Merrilyn Hoskins told the court that just after 11pm on September 19, police were called to a crash on Sayre Crescent, Boyne Island.

“Upon their arrival, police spoke with Young who identified himself as the driver of the Mazda BT-50 ute which was involved in the crash,” Ms Hoskins said.

“There was a female passenger flown to Rockhampton due to multiple injuries she suffered in the crash.

“There was a positive roadside breath test and he was taken to Tannum Sands Police Station where his second reading was .127.”

A court heard Young has 12 vodka lemonades between 4pm and 11pm that afternoon.

“His traffic history is quite limited, less than a page and he has no previous criminal history,” Ms Hoskins said.

Young’s duty lawyer Jun Pepito said his client had worked as a mechanical fitter for several years.

“He was drinking at his house and decided to go for a drive, that’s when the incident occurred,” Mr Pepito said.

“Since the incident he has been asking for lifts from his workmates and told me he is considering buying a pushbike.

“I submit that a fine could be appropriate and that Your Honour keeps his disqualification period to the minimum.”

Magistrate Bevan Manthey told Mr Pepito it was fortunate his client was not charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Young was convicted and fined $800, and suspended from driving for six months. A conviction was recorded.