Police officer Patrick Brian Gardiner in court for drink driving
A Sunshine Coast police officer who was stood down over a drink driving charge has faced court where it was said he was very apologetic for his actions.
Police & Courts
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A Sunshine Coast senior police officer has faced court after he was stood down over a drink driving charge.
Aroona man Patrick Brian Gardiner, 49, pleaded guilty to the sole charge in the Caloundra Magistrates Court on March 17.
He was supported by one person in the public gallery.
The court was told Gardiner was involved in a car accident on Caloundra Rd, Little Mountain, at 8.48am on March 11.
No one was injured, but he was breath tested at the scene and blew 0.052.
Police prosecutor Stephen Potter said Gardiner told police he had been drinking the night before and was very apologetic for his actions.
Defence lawyer Craig Pratt asked his client be given a small fine given his age and limited traffic history.
The court was told Gardiner was described as an “upstanding person” and the incident was out of character.
A Queensland Police press release on March 16 said Gardiner, although not named, had been stood down from official duty as a result of the charge.
He was fined $300 and disqualified from driving for one month.
A conviction was not recorded.
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