South Burnett community teacher loses license for nearly a year after being caught behind the wheel 3x limit

A South Burnett community teacher has lost his licence for almost a year after police caught him heavily drunk behind the wheel. DETAILS:

A South Burnett teacher has been convicted of high-level drink driving, losing his licence for almost a year.

Farron Crawford faced Murgon Magistrates Court on May 4, charged with driving under the influence.

Police prosecutor sergeant Pepe Gangemi told the court officers intercepted Crawford on Douglas St in Murgon, at 1.30am on April 2.

The community teacher at Cherbourg State School returned a blood-alcohol level of 1.53, more than triple the legal limit.

Crawford was represented in court by Mark Oliver who said his client regretted his actions.

“He is remorseful for his actions, he realises that he‘s ineligible for a work licence that will possibly impact him … in his job,” Mr Oliver said.

“Be that as it may we are seeking the minimum disqualification.”

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair took into account Crawford’s early plea, but also noted he had been convicted of drink driving previously.

“This time you were over the high alcohol limit – that would impose an extreme danger to yourself and others,” Magistrate Sinclair said.

“People are free to drink and they are free to drive, they just can’t do it together.”

Crawford was convicted and fined $1100, with his license suspended for nine months.