Connor Thomas Mackenzie: Motorcyclist’s drunken joy ride ends in shocking crash
A young business owner has been told he’s lucky to be alive after drunkenly crashing a dirt bike while joy-riding almost four times over the limit.
Logan
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A young business owner has been told he’s lucky to be alive after drunkenly crashing a dirt bike while joy-riding almost four times over the limit.
Ormeau man Connor Thomas Mackenzie, 23, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Tuesday to driving under the influence of liquor.
The court heard police were called to a single-vehicle crash involving a motorbike on Opperman Dr, Ormeau about 7.30pm on January 22.
Witnesses stated the injured rider had been drinking at a house party up the road.
The court heard Mackenzie had been riding an unregistered trail bike on the road, performing burnouts in the rain.
He had not been wearing a helmet at the time of his crash and was left with “significant facial and skull injuries.”
He was taken to the hospital for treatment, and a test revealed he had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.187 per cent.
Mackenzie’s lawyer said his client pursued a career as a tiler after school and now ran his own small business with two employees.
“He doesn’t remember the incident itself due to his injuries, but he notes that he was struggling at the time with the stresses of setting up his own business,” he said.
“He has suffered appalling and severe injuries as a result.
“He had a fractured temple, fractured jaw. His jaw socket was completely removed.”
He said Mackenzie was remorseful for his actions and had since completed the Queensland Traffic Offenders Program.
Magistrate Clare Kelly said this was the third time he had been charged for this type of offence.
“It’s very distressing for me to see that such a young person as yourself with a lot to lose is still prepared to act this way,” she said.
“You’re very lucky you didn’t kill yourself on that occasion.”
He was fined $1500 and disqualified from driving for 12 months. A conviction was recorded.
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