Brendon James O’Rourke: Electrician’s remorse after drunken interaction with RMS worker

A drunk electrician, facing menacing driving and mid-range drink driving charges, has fronted court after intimidating an RMS worker.

An intoxicated electrician who intimidated an on-duty mobile speed camera operator on a major highway near Narromine has escaped a conviction.

Brendon James O’Rourke, 34, appeared in Narromine Local Court on Tuesday supported by his wife as he pleaded guilty to menacing driving and mid-range drink-driving.

According to documents tendered to court, O’Rourke was driving his white Ford Ranger ute about 7.30pm on August 24 on the Mitchell Highway towards Narromine when he noticed a mobile speed camera.

Brendan James Rourke appeared in Narromine Local Court on Tuesday.

After making a u-turn and stopping in front of the victim’s vehicle, O’Rourke started “yelling (and) waving his arms around”.

The victim was advised by her supervisor to move to a new location and when leaving, O’Rourke started to flash his high beams.

He then followed the victim through the streets of Narromine, and police facts revealed he was “very close” to her car and “she was fearful that (O’Rourke) would collide with her”.

The victim eventually stopped outside Narromine Police Station along with O’Rourke who was heard yelling, “I’m not doing anything illegal, I’m not doing anything illegal”.

Narromine Police Station. Photo: Google Maps.

A short time later, police met O’Rourke outside the station on Merilba St, as he was “raving” about the location of the mobile speed camera and where it was set up.

“Police approached the victim who was seated in her vehicle … (she) appeared visibly upset and was crying and shaking,” court documents reveal.

When speaking to O’Rourke police believed he had been drinking, and asked whether he consumed any alcohol.

“(He) informed police he had a few beers,” court documents state.

After recording a positive reading to a breath test, O’Rourke was arrested and later returned a reading of 0.097.

On Tuesday, Magistrate Stephen Barlow described the incident as “strange” as he deliberated over an appropriate sentence, given O’Rourke’s “need for a licence”.

“You live in Narromine [and] you’re a tradie,” Magistrate Barlow said.

However the magistrate was concerned with O’Rourke’s driving record which included a mid-range drink driving offence in 2010 and a low-range in 2007.

He also questioned the electrician’s conduct, saying it was “quite disturbing”.

“She probably thought you were some psycho that was trying to kill her,” Magistrate Barlow continued.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Barlett highlighted the “terror and fear” of the victim, evidenced in the facts, explaining a need for general deterrance with the sentencing.

“The behaviour is certainly inexcusable … a period of disqualification is unavoidable,” Sergeant Barlett said.

In weighing O’Rourke’s subjective case, Magistrate Barlow was satisfied he had “settled down” over the past few years, noting a gap in offending.

“(He) has demonstrated an enormous amount of remorse … (he) felt shame on him and his family,” Magistrate Barlow said.

“He has apologised and sought counsel from his pastor who speaks very highly of him.

“My view is to deal with (the matter) in some unusual way.”

Ultimately, Magistrate Barlow handed O’Rourke a backdated four month disqualification, $750 fine and 12 month interlock licence for the mid-range drink offence.

O’Rourke was placed on a two-year conditional release order without conviction for the menacing driving charge.

“You might want to look at your mental health,” Magistrate Barlow said.

“Third drink driving charge … that tells me someone has a problem with their relationship with alcohol.

“The fact you’re sitting here today in these circumstances, [indicates] a problem.”