Madison May Burns faces Mackay court for intoxicated dangerous driving charges

A young mum with a history of drug use and dangerous driving waited until the owner of a car went into a service station before taking it for herself, running a red light and crashing, all while intoxicated.

A young mum with a history of dangerous driving was busted for crimes she committed five years ago. Picture Queensland Police

A young mum with a history of dangerous driving was busted stealing and driving a car dangerously while intoxicated after a backslide into drug use.

Madison May Burns, 22, waited until the driver and passenger of a car went into a service stationon May 3, 2025 before she stole it.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard Burns — while intoxicated — then took the car and drove away, running a red light.

She was then involved in a traffic collision and was taken to hospital, with another driver involved suffering injuries to their right arm.

The court heard she was also charged with unlawful use of a car on April 19, 2025.

Police prosecutor Matt Saunders said Burns had a previous conviction for dangerous driving and was imprisoned for six months and paroled immediately in the Townsville Magistrates Court in 2021.

“It’s very similar facts in relation to the previous matter … similar charges,” Mr Saunders said.

Burns pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous operation of a vehicle while adversely affected, two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possession of marijuana.

Defence solicitor Geoff Govey said Burns had a difficult childhood and she told him “she’s guilty and disgusted by her behaviour”.

“She tells me that she started using drugs … from 14,” Mr Govey said.

“Unfortunately and so often the case with someone who’s had that sort of upbringing she then was involved in a toxic relationship.”

Mr Govey told the court Burns had two children.

Acting magistrate Patricia Kirkman-Scroope said it would be an understatement to say Burns had a tough upbringing.

“You started using drugs when you were very young but you’re relatively intelligent,” Ms Kirkman-Scroope said.

“You’ve got two young children, a one year old son and three year old daughter … you’ve got to be a role model for them.

“If you want them to have a life like you had... you’re going the right way in setting them up for that trauma.”

The court heard Burns had a diagnosis of PTSD and was supported with a letter of reference from someone who had arranged a rental property for her and was offering support.

Ms Kirkman-Scroope said there was a four-year gap between Burns’ previous offending and Burns said “my kids are the reason”.

“You made a conscious (decision)... to give up drugs,” Ms Kirkman-Scroope said.
“You seemed to have slipped back, you've got that possess charge.” 

Burns was imprisoned for 15 months with a parole release date set for July 11, 2025 after she spent 77 days in custody.

Ms Kirkman-Scroope recognised the time spent on remand but did not declare it and recorded convictions in relation to all charges.

She was also disqualified from holding a drivers license for 12 months.

“The offences just seem to be impulsive... rather than setting out to steal cars and commit further offences,” Ms Kirkman-Scroope said.