Queanbeyan mechanic David Kemister sentenced for high range drink driving

A mechanic was so tanked while driving at nearly six times the limit he was seen by police stopping at a green light … then accelerating when it turned red.

David Alan Kemister outside Queanbeyan Local Court.

A Queanbeyan mechanic was so tanked while driving he was noticed by police after he stopped at a green light before driving through a red.

David Alan Kemister was nearly six times the legal blood alcohol limit after he was pulled over by police late at night on March 31.

Agreed facts state the 45-year-old was seen at the intersection of Monaro St and Lowe St by police about 11.25pm after he did something odd.

Kemister was stopped in the left turn lane at the lights when a green left turn signal switched over.

Once it turned red police saw Kemister drive through the light and turn left onto Monaro St.

David Alan Kemister.

He was swiftly pulled over and where officers noted the mechanic’s difficulty at using his windows before he slightly opened his door.

Court documents state he was seen to be dazed with liquor being smelt from the vehicle.

David Alan Kemister outside Queanbeyan Local Court.

Kemister was breath tested at Queanbeyan police station where he returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.285 per cent, almost six times the legal limit.

Multiple references were tendered to the court which spoke of Kemister’s good character, with his defence arguing the mechanic was a good person in a “bad place” at the time.

The court heard the Queanbeyan man made steps so there would be no prospects of “repetition” after going through a break up at the time.

Kemister’s solicitor told the court he was cooperative and compliant with police after being pulled over getting cigarettes that night.

Magistrate Roger Clisdell said Kemister was so drunk he stopped at a green light and drove through a red light which could’ve had “disastrous” consequences.

Kemister pleaded guilty to high range drink driving, entering an intersection after lights or arrows changed to yellow or red and not carrying a licence while driving.

He was sentenced to an 18-month community correction order and disqualified from driving for six months.

The mechanic was also fined $200, with convictions recorded for the first two offences.

His third charge was dismissed with no conviction.