BMA Blackwater mine worker puts lucrative job at risk with drunken blunder

A bad blunder has seen a Central Queensland mine worker face the prospect of losing his $1500-$2500 a week job.

Bradley George Carter faced Yeppoon Magistrates Court on October 26.

“Huge mistake - one of my worst ever.”

With those words, Bradley George Carter, 33, took full responsibility for the drunken blunder which threatened his $1500-$2500 a week mining job in Central Queensland.

Carter pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on October 26 to drink-driving.

The court heard that with two previous drug-driving offences in 2018 and 2019, Carter’s latest mistake to get behind the wheel at Yeppoon on August 18 while .087 drunk had the potential to cost him dearly.

Representing himself in court, Carter asked Magistrate Grace Kahlert if she would increase the fine and reduce the licence disqualification as a lengthy period could cost him his employment as a truck driver at BMA’s Blackwater mine.

Bradley George Carter told the court he had worked hard to get this job after previously doing it tough including being homeless.

Carter explained that he had worked hard to get this job after previously doing it tough including being homeless.

“Your Honour, I know I’ve made a huge mistake - one of my worst ever,” he said.

“I was wondering if I could request more fine and less time so I can keep my job.”

Ms Kahlert asked Carter how much he earned and he replied: “Oh, it varies. The biggest week $2500, the smallest week $1500.”

Before Ms Kahlert imposed penalty, she noted that it was “a long time” since Carter was last before the court.

“Hopefully you’ll be able to keep your job during the period of the disqualification,” she said.

“Ordinarily with your history, it would have been two months (disqualification) probably, two months plus.”

Ms Kahlert fined Carter $800 which she said was an increase, and she disqualified him from driving for one month.