One Mile mechanic Griffin Michael Hardy clocked at 140kmh, three times blood alcohol limit at Brookwater

A mechanic has been blasted by a magistrate for risking lives after a bad relationship break-up led him to driving at 140kmh through a residential area while three times the alcohol limit.

Griffin Michael Hardy, 24, leaving Ipswich Court on January 25. Picture: Nicola McNamara

An Ipswich mechanic has faced court for dangerous driving at speeds of up to 140kmh through a residential area while three times the blood alcohol limit.

One Mile mechanic Griffin Michael Hardy, 24, pleaded guilty on January 25 to dangerous operation of a vehicle while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance and driving under the influence of liquor.

The Ipswich Magistrates Court heard Hardy drove with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.179 on July 20 last year on Brookwater Drive at Brookwater.

Hardy later admitted to police he estimated his speed was about 140kmh at the time.

Police prosecutor Amanda Renton said she had not been able to confirm the exact speed limit for that stretch of road but said it was a built-up residential area.

She said surrounding roads had limits of 60kmh.

“It is an example of good luck rather than good management that he and his passenger were not seriously injured or killed and no innocent members of the public were hurt,” Ms Renton said.

Defence lawyer John Wilson said his client had no criminal history and was generally a person of good character.

He said Hardy had “sunk into heavy alcohol use” after a relationship breakdown which occurred just before the incident.

Mr Wilson said his client had also previously suffered from some mental health issues.

Magistrate Jason Schubert said Hardy’s relationship breakdown might explain his actions but that did not excuse them.

Mr Schubert said Hardy had driven in “what can only be described as a dangerous manner”.

“You placed innocent members of the community’s lives at risk,” he said.

He sentenced Hardy to 18 months’ probation. No convictions were recorded.

Hardy’s licence was disqualified for 12 months for the drink driving offence and of rsix months for the dangerous operation offence.