Mother of four Chanelle Valerie Frew drove while .175 drunk in Yeppoon

It was the Central Queensland woman’s fifth drink-driving offence and she copped a blasting from a magistrate who called her “irresponsible”. Here’s what happened in court.

A magistrate has blasted a Central Queensland mother of four after she drove while .175 drunk .

Chanelle Valerie Frew, 39, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on April 7 to high-range drink driving.

The court heard that police intercepted Frew about 1.30am on February 24, on Little Park Street, Yeppoon.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Peter Rumford said Frew told police that she had consumed 10 cans of beer throughout the day, before driving.

Frew returned a blood alcohol reading of .175 - more than three times the legal limit.

The court heard Frew had a two-page traffic history.

Solicitor Brandon Selic said Frew was a single mum of four children who acknowledged that her offending was foolish.

Mr Selic said Frew instructed she had called a cab on the night but it did not arrive.

He said there were issues at the friend’s place where Frew was staying and she decided she would drive away from there.

Magistrate Jason Schubert noted Frew had four prior drink-driving offences on her history - in 2013 (.044); 2011 (.110); 2009 (.176); and 2002 (.198).

“You’re back before the court with .175 - so three-and-a-half times the legal limit,” Mr Schubert said.

“You placed innocent members of the community at risk.

“How irresponsible.”

At that point, Frew spoke and explained she had to get away from the situation on the night that she drove.

Mr Schubert responded: “What, you couldn’t walk away from the situation?”

Frew said: “It was raining, so.”

Mr Schubert: “Walking in the rain is a lot better than (being) in a car when you’re that drunk!”

Mr Schubert ordered Frew perform 50 hours of unpaid community service within 12 months.

He also disqualified her from driving for 10 months.

A conviction was recorded.