Storm Dewhirst Oates in Gladstone court after drunken car crash
A single mother was “extremely intoxicated” when she crashed a car into a brick wall and then tried to run from the cops, a court has heard.
Police & Courts
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A Central Queensland single mum who tried to run from police after crashing her car into a brick wall while drunk, has faced court.
Storm Kimberly Dewhirst Oates, 33, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to drink driving, public nuisance and obstructing police while adversely affected.
The court heard that about 12.25am on June 14, police saw Dewhirst Oates crash a Nissan Navara into a brick wall on Gladstone’s Toolooa Street.
Police activated their lights, pulled in behind the crashed car and they saw Dewhirst Oates get out of the driver’s seat and flee the scene.
Police caught up with her and detained her.
Prosecutor Jennifer Leach said when an officer tried to perform a breath test on Dewhirst Oates, she “swatted” the breathalyser away, which was the obstruct police offence.
Ms Leach said an “extremely intoxicated” Dewhirst Oates screamed and yelled at police saying: “C***s, of course I’m drunk you d***head.”
Dewhirst Oates was warned about her behaviour but she continued to scream, yell and constantly swear, Ms Leach said.
Members of the public were walking past the area at the time.
After a breath test, Dewhirst Oates returned a blood alcohol reading of .140.
The court heard Dewhirst Oates had a one-page traffic history which included a drug driving offence in 2021.
Solicitor Bianca Wieland said Dewhirst Oates had worked in aged care and she was single mother of six, who also cared for her mum.
“At the time of this offending there was a lot going on in her life - with her mother’s health and with her life in general,” Ms Wieland said.
“She concedes that she drank far too much... she’s remorseful for her actions.”
Magistrate Mary Buchanan ordered Dewhirst Oates perform 60 hours of unpaid community service, and disqualified her from driving for nine months.
No convictions were recorded.
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