Childcare worker runs from cops after blowing .225

A Coast childcare worker who was caught drink driving and later tried to run from police was left red-faced and worried about her employment.

Lisa June Devereaux pleaded guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday to driving under the influence of liquor and obstructing police. Picture: Laura Pettigrew

A Coast childcare worker who was caught drink driving and tried to run from police ended up in a violent struggle with officers, a court heard.

Lisa June Devereaux pleaded guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday to driving under the influence of liquor on July 31 and obstructing police on August 1.

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Police prosecutor Amanda Brewer said Devereaux attracted police attention while weaving back and forth between lanes while heading south on the Bruce Highway at Forest Glen.

“Police intercepted the vehicle for the purpose of a breath test which was positive roadside … police observed the defendant’s speech was slurred and they could detect the smell of liquor,” Senior Constable Brewer said.

She said the 37-year-old childcare director later blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.225 before she attempted to run from police a 12:03am on August 1.

“The defendant ran from the arresting officer and … managed to run a short distance … before she was apprehended by officers,” she said.

“The defendant continued to struggle violently requiring the officers to transition her and restrain her.”

Senior Constable Brewer said the “high reading” was worth a high personal deterrent.

Duty lawyer Kylie Anderson told the court Devereaux had been celebrating on a night out with friends and she decided to drive home when the situation got out of hand.

Ms Anderson noted similar offending on her client’s criminal history and said Devereaux had, for the past five years, reduced her alcohol intake.

“When she drinks it gets out of hand and she has had that on occasions in the past and for those reasons over the past five years, apart from the 2017 incident, she has really pulled back on drinking,” she said.

Ms Anderson said Devereaux had already suffered the repercussions of her behaviour and asked Magistrate Stephen Courtney to consider the minimum disqualification period, given the impact it would have on her employment.

“She is very embarrassed by being in court today and she is very concerned about losing her employment as a result of this charge, so it certainly had a significant personal deterrent,” she said.

Mr Courtney sentenced Devereaux to 40 hours community service for obstructing police.

He also fined her $1000 and disqualified her from driving for nine months.

No conviction was recorded.

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