Tewantin cleaner Kylie Pursey pleads guilty to drunkenly running down cyclist

A cyclist suffered a broken wrist when he was run down by an egregiously drunk Tewantin cleaner who had to be stopped by witnesses from driving away with a wine cask in her passenger seat.

Kylie Gai Pursey was jailed in Maroochydore District Court on Thursday after she pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm and driving under the influence. Picture: Google/Patrick Woods

A Tewantin cleaner has been jailed after she made the “appalling decision” to drive while more than five times the limit and ploughed into a cyclist.

Maroochydore District Court heard on Thursday Kylie Gai Pursey, 55, had a blood-alcohol content of 0.259 per cent after she collided with a bicycle rider and broke his wrist in Tewantin on November 28, 2022.

During her sentencing for dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm while adversely affected and driving under the influence, the court was told she was seen swerving all over the road before the incident about 4pm.

Crown prosecutor Alex Stark said two young witnesses travelling behind Pursey saw her driving 20km/h in a 60km/h zone and decided to beep at her.

Mr Stark said after the horn sounded, Pursey accelerated and swerved straight into a 68-year-old retired cyclist who was travelling in front.

The court heard the force of the collision forced the victim onto the car’s windshield before he fell onto the road.

The cyclist suffered a broken wrist and also believed he lost consciousness from the collision.

She pleaded guilty in Maroochydore District Court on Thursday. Picture: Patrick Woods

Mr Stark said the Tewantin woman tried to drive slightly away when she ran over his bike which was wedged under her car.

The young motorist driving behind Pursey exited her car and stood in front of the 55-year-old’s vehicle and told her to get out.

“Yeah okay,” the 55-year-old replied, according to Mr Stark.

The court heard a cask of wine was found on the front passenger seat.

Mr Stark said the cyclist fortunately recovered from the injury besides needing surgery.

The court was told Pursey was found to be low range drink driving a month before the incident, however was not under a disqualification at the time.

Witnesses were forced to stop Pursey from driving away after she drunkenly struck the cyclist in Tewantin. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Defence barrister Mark Dixon said Pursey used alcohol as a “coping tool” to deal with her untreated mental health.

The mother-of-three worked in several jobs throughout her life including in hospitality working in bottle shops and at the Royal Mail Hotel at Tewantin, but was now a cleaner.

Mr Dixon said Pursey was living in her car at the time after she was evicted from her home and was driving due to a “perceived threat” where she was staying.

He said Pursey was immediately remorseful at the scene and was well regarded in the community.

Judge Glen Cash said Pursey didn’t represent a threat but the community expected sentences for serious drink driving offences which should not be tolerated.

Pursey pleaded guilty to both charges and was jailed for two years, to be suspended after she served six months.

She was also disqualified for 12 months, with convictions recorded.