Kirt Ashley Armstrong fined after Bruce Hwy crash

Debris was scattered across 50m of the Bruce Highway after a reckless driver smashed into a car while driving home from Christmas celebrations.

Debris was scattered across 50m of the Bruce Highway after a reckless driver smashed into the back of another car before crashing off the road while driving home from Christmas celebrations.

Kirt Ashley Armstrong was fined $1600 and disqualified from driving for 16 months after he failed to give a specimen of blood on December 22, last year.

Police prosecutor Brandon Newman told Maroochydore Magistrates Court Armstrong was seen driving “recklessly” when he rear-ended another car and drove off the right side of the road on the Bruce Highway near Chevallum.

Police found Armstrong sitting in his damaged car on the median strip between the north and southbound lanes.

“Police attended and observed debris scattered across 50m, ending where the white Commodore was located,” he said.

Sergeant Newman said Armstrong blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.246 at the scene of the crash.

He said the airbags deployed and Armstrong was assessed by paramedics before he was taken to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for observation.

While at the hospital Armstrong failed to give a specimen of blood for analysis.

Kirt Ashley Armstrong was fined $1600 and disqualified from driving for 16 months after he caused a crash on the Bruce Highway near Chevallum on December 22, last year. Picture: Sunshine Coast Daily.

Magistrate Maxine Baldwin questioned him about the charge when the father of two said he couldn't remember the offence.

“Too drunk?,” Ms Baldwin asked.

“Yeah obviously or just too stubborn,” Armstrong replied.

The court heard police had already received reports of Armstrong leaving the Chancellor Park Tavern just five minutes before being tasked to the crash.

Armstrong pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen of blood for analysis.

The 34-year-old told the court he had recently separated from his wife and was missing his children who spent Christmas in Sydney.

He said he suffered from depression and had been drinking when he made the “silly decision” to drive home.

The painter, who was seeking professional help for his mental health, said he would need to rely on others including his ex-wife to get to work.

Ms Baldwin suggested Armstrong buy a bike.