Aaron Joel England pleads guilty to driving while under the influence of liquor

A young man told police he had been drinking bourbons with his dad before embarking on a trip to Toowoomba.

A drink driver was seen swerving between vehicles on the Ipswich Motorway before crashing into a concrete barrier, a court heard this week.

The driver, who was more than three times the blood alcohol limit, later admitted to sharing a few bourbons with his dad before getting behind the wheel.

Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday heard police came across the driver, Aaron England, walking along the motorway some 200m away from the crash scene.

He returned an alcohol reading of 0.171.

Aaron Joel England, 20, from Darra, pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of liquor on the Ipswich Motorway on Friday, June 18.

England’s frankness and honesty about having an alcohol problem and his apologetic manner in court impressed Magistrate Dennis Kinsella, who said it was refreshing to hear.

Prosecutor Senior Constable Bridie O’Shea said England’s vehicle swiped a concrete barrier at 10.30pm with reports that it had earlier been running in and out of traffic on the motorway.

“He was located 200m away and very unsteady on his feet. He held a P1 licence,” Snr Const. O’Shea said.

“He said he had four or six bourbon cans at his dad’s place, and was going to Toowoomba.”

Representing himself, England was forthright with the magistrate.

“I had a drinking problem for a couple of years now. I recently got an apprenticeship and am getting on my feet but I had done nothing about my drinking problem,” England said.

He spoke about the steps taken to receive professional assistance and that he has the support of his employer.

“I’m just thankful no one was hurt. It was so stupid, and could have hurt someone,” England said.

Mr Kinsella told England he was now “ahead of the game” by recognising and doing something positive about the issue.

Mr Kinsella said he was young and “blokes in your position do make dumb mistakes,” but in doing so he also warned him not to be tempted to get behind the wheel and drive while disqualified.

England assured him that he would not, and that he used a push bike to get to work.

England was handed a seven-month licence disqualification and a $1200 fine. No conviction was recorded.