Dr David William John Duke pleads guilty to driving under influence

A widely respected Bayside doctor has narrowly dodged a criminal conviction after police busted him driving to fetch a late night snack while more than four times the legal alcohol limit.

Dr David William John Duke pleads guilty to driving under influence.

A widely respected Brisbane general practitioner has dodged a criminal record after getting behind the wheel while more than four times the legal alcohol limit.

Dr David William John Duke, 55, pleaded guilty in Cleveland Magistrates Court on July 1 to one count of driving under the influence.

The court heard Dr Duke’s judgement was impaired when he drove from his Cleveland home along Redland Bay Rd and a witness flagged his suspiciously slow driving to a nearby police officer.

A police prosecutor said Dr Duke was intercepted on the evening of May 4 at Boundary St in Redland Bay.

“He was stopped for his manner of driving and blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.227,” the prosecutor said.

“He has had no criminal history over the past six years.’’

Dr Duke’s lawyer, William Hodgen, said he was a registered doctor but had stopped practising due to health issues.

“He completed Year 12 at St Laurence’s College and studied medicine and a Bachelors of Surgery at the University of Queensland,” Mr Hodgen said.

Dr David William John Duke leaving Cleveland Magistrates Court.

“He voluntarily removed himself from practising four years ago due to suffering lots of mental health issues.

“He does value the safety of others and this instance was a lapse of judgement.’’

The court was told Dr Duke was drinking at his home before becoming hungry and driving to buy food.

“It is extremely fortunate that he didn’t cause any harm and he is extremely remorseful,” Mr Hodgen said.

“The medication he’s on affects his judgement and I ask that that’s taken into account as well,” he said.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta was presented with multiple positive personal references from Dr Duke’s former colleagues.

“I take your early plea of guilty into consideration,” Ms Vasta said.

“There are lovely references from these doctors.

“I’m going to sentence you to serve community service. Let’s get you out of your comfort zone … I think you might actually enjoy it.’’

Dr Duke was sentenced to complete 60 hours of community service and was disqualified from driving for six months.

No conviction was recorded.