Samuel Martin: Drink driver’s ‘citizen’s arrest’ at Daisy Hill shops

A court has heard how worried bystanders stepped in to stop a drunk 65-year-old retiree from driving off in his BMW from a suburban shopping centre.

A 65-year-old Logan retiree was nearly six times the legal blood-alcohol limit when he attempted to drive his BMW away from a suburban shopping centre car park, leading to a citizens’ arrest before police were called, a court has heard.

Springwood resident Samuel Martin pleaded guilty in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday to one count of attempting to put a vehicle in motion while under the influence of liquor.

The court heard the incident occurred about 6.20pm on February 12 at Daisy Hill Shopping Centre.

Springwood man Samuel Martin, 65. Picture: Alex Treacy

Police were called to the centre car park to a report an intoxicated man was trying to drive a black BMW.

When they arrived, Martin was seated on a nearby bench and attempted to walk away from the officers, appearing “unstable” on his feet and drunk, the court heard.

He was transported to Logan Hospital where it was revealed he had a blood-alcohol content of 0.283 per cent.

The court heard witnesses at the scene described Martin attempting to press the start button on his vehicle, at which point they “held the driver’s door open” to prevent him escaping.

However, Martin disputed this version, telling the court he went back to the restaurant of his own volition.

“I’m grateful they intervened,” he told Magistrate Clare Kelly.

“I feel ashamed.

“I am going to sell my car.”

He was disqualified from driving for six months and fined $800.

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