Joel Coventry Weston pleads guilty to drink driving at Rosemount

A Sunshine Coast support worker going through a bad break up was more than three times the legal blood alcohol limit when he drove into multiple road signs before he crashed his car.

Joel Coventry Weston faced Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

A Nambour disability support worker crashed his car into multiple council street signs while driving more than three times the legal blood alcohol limit.

Joel Coventry Weston was going through a break up when he drove drunk along Petrie Rd at Rosemount and crashed into a number of council road signs about 8pm on May 14.

Police prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris told Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday the 47-year-old continued his driving until he came to a stop after crashing off the road.

Sergeant Grigoris said multiple motorists called police due to Weston’s driving, with officers swiftly arriving on the scene.

The court heard the Nambour father was unsteady on his feet, argumentative and unable to follow police directions.

He refused a roadside breath test however blew 0.179 at Maroochydore police station, more than three times the legal limit.

Weston was charged with driving under the influence of liquor and pleaded guilty on Tuesday.

Weston leaving court on Tuesday.

Defence lawyer Fleur Cardell said Weston was going through relationship troubles when he got behind the wheel, with the entire incident being a “wake up call” for him.

Ms Cardell said the 47-year-old worked previously as a youth support worker before foraying into disability support work, however the loss of his licence had a ripple effect on his job and his finances due not being able to drive.

His lawyer tendered character references to the court, and said Weston was extremely remorseful and embarrassed for his offence, had completed a traffic offenders program and referred himself to a hospital diversion program.

Ms Cardell said Weston had no criminal history and abstained from alcohol since the crash.

Magistrate Rod Madsen fined the 47-year-old $1000 and disqualified him from driving for eight months. A traffic conviction was recorded.

Mr Madsen said it was clear Weston was “extremely drunk” when he crashed, but accepted his remorse, rehabilitation and the fact the Nambour man’s car was unlikely to have been covered by insurance.