Mackay region teacher Andrew Gareth Miles caught drink driving
A Queensland teacher made the error of an extra UDL before heading home from the pub and a mate’s place, pushing him over the legal alcohol limit. The magistrate was less than impressed.
Mackay
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A Mackay region teacher was told he couldn’t possibly teach history, because he hadn’t learned his lesson from a previous drink driving offence.
Andrew Gareth Miles, 50, was driving home from the pub and a mates place on November 22, 2024, when he was pulled over by police in Mirani for a breath test.
After blowing over the limit and being taken to the police station, Mr Miles blew a reading of 0.064, registering underneath the middle threshold.
On Wednesday, Mr Miles faced the Mackay Magistrates Court where he took “full responsibility for his actions”, according to his defence lawyer.
The Brisbane-born teacher studied science and worked in a lab setting before getting his teaching qualifications, and moved to Mackay for a regional placement before returning to Maroochydore.
Mr Miles, a father of two, moved back to the Mackay region because he missed the community, his lawyer told the court.
He has been employed at a local school for the past three years, and his principal is aware of the offending, along with the Department of Education, the court heard.
Magistrate Nigel Rees noted Mr Miles had similar offending in the past — from 20, 30 years ago.
“I know you’re not a history teacher because you clearly haven’t learned from the past,” he said.
“Don’t drink and drive, it’s as simple as that. If you have a drink, even one, don’t take a chance.”
When sentencing him, Magistrate Rees pointed out if he had hit somebody with his vehicle while under the influence, the consequences would have been severe.
“You’re a teacher,” Magistrate Rees said.
“Not exactly a good example is it?”
Mr Miles agreed, had his licence confiscated for a month, and was ordered to pay a fine of $350.
No conviction was recorded.
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