Engineer Graeme Whelan sentenced for driving nearly six times over the limit
A mechanical engineer who downed three bottles of wine then got behind the wheel at nearly six times the limit had a distinct odour coming from his car when police showed up.
A mechanical engineer has been sentenced after police caught him driving erratically, while nearly six times the limit, and an overwhelming “odour of incontinence” coming from his car.
Thirty-three-year-old Graeme Whelan, a father of three from Thornlands, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle.
A police prosecutor told the court a member of the public had called police concerned with Whelan’s erratic driving on January 23, 2024 at 12.49am.
“An intoxicated driver was reported driving along Cleveland Redland Bay Road, he was swerving over the road with numerous near crashes,” the Sergeant said.
“A member of the community felt it necessary to follow the driver before police were able to locate him.
“When police found him they were taken back by the odour of incontinence,” she said.
The court heard Whelan had consumed three bottles of wine before he drove and refused to provide police with a sample of his breath for analysis.
“When he refused he was taken to Redland Hospital for a blood test,” the Sergeant said.
A blood sample from Whelan revealed an alcohol reading of 0.298 per cent.
The Sergeant said Whelan’s offending is significantly dangerous to the community.
“I submit a term of probation could benefit the community,” she said.
Whelan, who represented himself, said he is receiving treatment for his mental health.
“I have been made redundant,” Whelan said.
Whelan revealed to the court he is suffering from ongoing struggles in his family life.
Magistrate Deborah Vasta said Whelan was “lucky” someone from the community followed him that night.
“Your probation will enforce you to undergo treatment,” Ms Vasta said.
He was sentenced to serve 18 months of probation and disqualified from driving for six months.
