Amanda Leonora Elmes charged over fatal drink driving crash which killed Kenilworth man Kerry Bowe

A woman who was allegedly five times over the legal alcohol limit when she crashed a car and killed a man has sought professional help for her drinking problem, a court has heard. 

Amanda Leonora Elmes was charged following an alleged drink driving crash which killed Kerry Bowe. Picture: Marilyn Beale.

A woman charged over a crash which killed Kenilworth man Kerry Bowe has checked into rehab to treat her drinking problem, a court has heard.

Amanda Leonora Elmes, 51, is expected to plead guilty to one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while drunk and one count of drink driving following investigations into the fatal crash.

Her matter was mentioned in Maroochydore District Court on April 19 but she was excused by Judge Gary Long as she continues residential rehabilitation in Caboolture. 

Police alleged in July that Ms Elmes was five times the legal alcohol limit when she crashed into Mr Bowe’s ute at Balmoral Ridge on May 27, 2021. 

The 71-year-old Kenilworth man was flown to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition but died on May 31, 2021. 

Tributes flowed for 71-year-old Kerry Bowe who died in hospital following a fatal crash at Balmoral Ridge in May.

Police alleged Ms Elmes had a blood alcohol reading of 0.276.

She was charged in July following Forensic Crash Unit investigations.

The court heard Ms Elmes who is on bail is expected to remain in rehab for a further three months. 

Ms Elme’s defence lawyer told the court his client intended to plead guilty to all charges, which the Crown Prosecution accepted and the matter was adjourned.

Mr Bowe’s death shocked the community.

He was remembered as a “great mate who looked after everyone”.

Ms Elmes was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a stable condition with a leg injury following the crash.

She will face Maroochydore District Court again on June 8 when it is expected she will plead guilty to all charges.