Marc Lee Goldson, 33, pleaded guilty to driving Under the Influence and driving without due care or attention

A drunk man who slammed into the back of another car stopped at lights on a major Gladstone road faced court today. Find out how he was sentenced here:

A man who admitted to struggling with alcoholism and unemployment smashed into another car at high speed while five times over the limit.

Marc Lee Goldson, 33, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Friday to driving Under the Influence of Liquor and driving without due care or attention.

A court heard that on March 24 Goldson attended an automotive repairs business on Beckinsale Street, Gladstone and picked up his blue Ford Ranger.

While at the business, two witnesses reported Goldson had bloodshot eyes, was unsteady on his feet, appeared disorientated and laughed at random.

Around 2.19pm police were called to a traffic crash at the intersection of Kirkwood Road and Dixon Drive, Kirkwood.

A court heard a witness was travelling along Kirkwood Road and approached the intersection in preparation to turn onto Dixon Drive.

While stopped at a red light, the witness saw Goldson speeding towards them and then he smashed into the rear of the car.

Marc Lee Goldson pleaded guilty to Driving Under the Influence and driving without due care or attention in Gladstone Magistrates Court.

The witness said Goldson smelt heavily of liquor and admitted to drinking alcohol, before leaving the scene once police were called.

Police later located Goldson at his house and he made admission to being involved in the crash and that he had since consumed more alcohol.

Goldson’s breath test returned a reading .297 per cent and he was issued a Notice to Appear.

Police prosecutor Merrilyn Hoskins said at the time of the incident, Goldson was struggling with alcoholism and unemployment.

“By the time the pre-sentence report was obtained, he was said to have employment at Q.A.L for about three months,” she said.

“We are seeking a lengthy suspended prison sentence to discourage him in his reversion back to his heavy alcoholism and irresponsible behaviour in the community.”

Goldson’s duty lawyer Rio Ramos said her client was slowly paying for the damage he caused to their car, which totalled $11,000.

“Other than his unemployment at the time, Your Honour, you would be confident my client was of good character and a contributing member of society,” Ms Ramos said.

“Mr Goldson acknowledges his responsibility and regrets his actions on the day, he has stable accommodation in Gladstone and is able to be contacted anytime.”

In sentencing, Magistrate Bevan Manthey said Goldson’s conduct was unacceptable which called for a significant penalty.

“At the end of the day a message must get out to you and others that this conduct, getting behind the wheel while you were pissed, will not be tolerated,” he said.

“It is quite fortunate that there wasn’t a worse outcome here.”

For the U.I.L charge, Goldson was convicted and sentenced to three months imprisonment, wholly suspended for 12 months.

For driving without due care or attention, Goldson was convicted and sentenced to 12 months probation.

He was suspended from driving for 18 months and convictions were recorded.