Christian James Budden, 26, faces Warwick Magistrates Court on drink driving charges

A court appearance was not the birthday present a Warwick wind farm worker was looking for after he was busted drink driving while on a night out mending a broken heart. FULL STORY.

A man has faced court following a drunken dash to Maccas (Photo: file)

A night out with mates to get over a broken heart ended in more pain for a wind farm worker who was busted drink driving.

Christian James Budden pleaded guilty to one charge of driving over the middle alcohol limit, but not the high range limit, when he appeared in Warwick Magistrates Court on June 8.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Sarah Bartholomew told the court Budden was pulled over on Guy St by police.

After submitting to a breath test, the court was told the 26-year-old returned a reading of 0.136 BAC.

“He told officers he had two beers and five Jack Daniel’s premix cans,” Constable Bartholomew said.

The man’s defence lawyer, David Abrey, said Budden’s court appearance was only one day before his 27th birthday.

The wind farm worker had a “strong work history,” primarily in construction, where he has worked at a wind farm in rigging near Warwick, Mr Abrey said.

“Mr Budden had a four year relationship recently come to an end, and on the night of this offence he decided to catch up with some friends as to distract himself,” Mr Abrey said.

As the group decided to get some food, Budden “unfortunately” put his hand up to drive.

Magistrate Janice Crawford told the man his offending was due to “having more alcohol than you thought”.

The magistrate noted Budden had completed a QTOP driving program and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Budden was slapped with a $750 fine and was taken off the road for three months. Convictions were recorded.