Wynnum Manly councillor Peter Cumming in court on drink driving charges

A veteran Brisbane councillor’s 29-year career is nearing its end after new details about his drunken state behind the wheel of his work car were revealed in court.

A veteran Brisbane councillor has fronted court on drink driving charges, which he believes may have “ruined” his career after police found him slumped over the wheel of his work car with vomit on his shirt on Christmas Eve.

Labor Councillor for Wynnum Manly Peter Cumming, who has been in the position for 29 years, pleaded guilty to being in charge under the influence, his first ever drink driving offence, in the Wynnum Magistrates Court on Monday.

The court heard Cr Cumming spent two hours at a work-related Christmas party on December 24 last year, pouring himself several mixed spirits drinks.

Councillor Peter Cumming leaves court after his appearance at Wynnum Magistrates Court. Picture: Lyndon Mechieklsen/Courier Mail

Two members of the public pointed police in the direction of the 62-year-old, who police found slumped over the wheel of his council-owned car, which was parked across the road from the Bay Tce venue around 6.20pm.

The police prosecutor told the court the car was running, rear parking lights were on and Cr Cumming was also slurring his speech. His car was parked within walking distance of his home, which was only 200m away.

Cr Cumming recorded a blood-alcohol level of 0.134

The prosecution pressed for a conviction to be recorded but Magistrate Melanie Ho gave Cr

Cumming a six-month license disqualification and probation period.

She told the court he clearly wasn’t making rational decisions and recording a conviction would impact his social standing and employment.

The court heard Cr Cumming had no explanation for his actions but that he was going through personal trauma after the breakdown of his marriage.

Councillor Peter Cumming leaves court with his lawyers after his appearance at Wynnum Magistrates Court. Picture: Lyndon Mechieklsen/Courier Mail

The court heard he had a new partner.

Cr Cumming has been off the road for three weeks and has already taken part in a Queensland Traffic Operations Program.

The conditions of his probation, included taking part in alcohol counselling.

His lawyer, Andrew Wise, told the court this was “out of character” for his client.

“He’s devastated, deeply remorseful and deeply ashamed,” he said.

Outside of court Cr Cumming said he did not yet have solid plans to step down as councillor.

Councillor Peter Cumming leaves court with his lawyers after his appearance at Wynnum Magistrates Court. Picture: Lyndon Mechieklsen/Courier Mail

It is understood he would have to wait until late March to stand down.

“I’ve been a bloody idiot,” he said.

“I did the wrong thing, I’ve been punished, and I deserved it.

“I urge anyone else out there to not drink and drive.”

Cr Cumming said the drink-driving charge accelerated his chances of retiring.

“I need to perhaps look for new work,” he said.

“If I drink too much alcohol very quickly then I behave very badly.”

Councillor Peter Cumming leaves court after his appearance at Wynnum Magistrates Court. Picture: Lyndon Mechieklsen/Courier Mail

Cr Cumming said everything other members of the party had to say about him, condemning his actions, including Transport Minister Mark Bailey who called for his resignation, was fair enough.

He said he was devastated to have his long career and notable reputation tarnished by one night‘s actions.

“I think I’ve done some good work over the years and to have it all finish like this is unfortunate,” Cr Cumming said.

“But I should have thought about that before I acted like I did.

“You get what you deserve in life.

“I’ve let the community down … very disgusting behaviour by me.”

Cr Cummings said he was leaning towards stepping down from his role.