Darryl Catlin sentenced at Yeppoon for drink driving and stealing

A driver who fell asleep at a busy Rockhampton intersection says he was on his way home after picking up pizzas. But boozy driving wasn’t the only crime added to his already eight-page history.

Darryl Stewart Catlin.

A Central Queensland mine worker has faced court for an odd drink driving incident and several fuel thefts.

Darryl Stewart Catlin, 40, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court to drink driving and three counts of stealing.

Police prosecutor Brandon Selic said on the night of July 13, police were called to a report of a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Norman and Yeppoon Roads.

It was later revealed in court that it didn’t turn out to be a crash.

After police arrived at the scene, Catlin returned a blood alcohol reading of .099.

The other three charges involved Catlin stealing fuel from petrol stations at Yeppoon on September 26 (130 litres), October 6 (165L) and

October 20 (85L).

In court, the prosecution only sought restitution for the 130 litres ($225.95).

Darryl Stewart Catlin.

Catlin had an eight-page criminal history.

A self-represented Catlin told Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale he worked in the mines.

He said on the night of the intersection incident, he had “too many beers” after work.

“There’s no excuse but (I) went and got pizzas and was driving back to Yeppoon – I actually fell asleep at the lights,” Catlin said.

“(I) put the car in park and fell asleep.

“It’s been a rough last six months after a break-up, lost me (sic) job then got me job back.”

Ms Beckinsale fined Catlin $1500 and disqualified him from driving for three months.

She also ordered he pay $225.95 restitution and convictions were recorded.