Crestmead woman Paige Kaye Ellysa Petersen, 41, causes significant damage in ‘bizarre’ drunken crash

A serial drink-driving mother of four faces an eye-watering bill for damages after crashing into vehicles and a power pole in a “very extreme” and “bizarre” incident.

A mum of four with a history of drink driving has been left with a $20,000 bill for damages and a stinging warning of possible jail time should she hit the bottle and road again.

Appearing at Beenleigh Magistrates Court today Crestmead woman Paige Kaye Ellysa Petersen, 41, pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle and driving a motor vehicle while over the middle alcohol limit.

The court heard the former support worker had no recollection of the “very extreme” and “bizarre” crash at Chambers Flat Rd in Waterford West on December 20 last year, which destroyed a power pole and caused significant damage to multiple vehicles.

A police prosecutor noted it was Petersen’s second drink drive after getting behind the wheel with a blood-alcohol reading of 0.178 per cent in 2017, for which she was sentenced to 18 months’ probation.

Paige Kaye Ellysa Petersen, 41, leaves Beenleigh Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to driving while over the middle alcohol limit and dangerous operation of a vehicle.

The defendant had no history of dangerous driving.

A barrister for the defence said their client faces a $20,000 bill, not covered by insurance, for the damaged power pole and was very fortunate not to have injured anyone in the “very extreme” crash.

The court heard Petersen had since had her licence medically suspended until January next year and had sought psychiatrist treatment.

Aside from her two drink driving incidents, the defence said their client had an “unremarkable” driving history.

Magistrate Ron Kilner said the crash was “certainly bizarre” and confirmed Petersen would not be covered by insurance for damage to the power poll.

Magistrate Kilner warned that should Petersen drive while drunk again she could face actual jail time.

The defendant was sentenced to 12 months’ probation and disqualified from driving for 12 months.