Lucas Johnson: Nepean Hospital nurse blames coronavirus stress for drink-driving offence
Lucas Johnson, a Nepean hospital nurse who was arrested for mid-range drink-driving in March claimed long shifts at the hospital due to the coronavirus had contributed to his stress levels.
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A Nepean Hospital nurse who was arrested for mid-range drink-driving in March claimed long shifts at the hospital due to the coronavirus had contributed to his stress levels.
Lucas Johnson, 34, from North Richmond had completed a shift at the hospital on March 27 when he went home and drank "seven serves" of alcohol deciding to “wind down” after a stressful shift.
The nurse then ducked to the shops around 9pm when police noticed he was speeding and following him on Bells Line of Rd in North Richmond. He was stopped on Flinders Place where he recorded an alcohol level of 0.116 and arrested.
Mr Johnson pleaded guilty to the offence.
In a letter to the magistrate submitted to the court Mr Johnson apologised for his “reckless action”.
“I completely understand the risk I put to the community as well as myself and the seriousness of my offence,” he wrote.
“I was lucky and feel blessed that I didn’t hit anyone and cause injury.
“I should lead by example, my decision that day failed to do this.”
Mr Johnson’s solicitor said the stress of the coronavirus and working long shifts in the hospital had contributed to his state of mind at the time.
The solicitor noted that work stress had improved as the coronavirus threat had eased in Australia.
Mr Johnson has worked at Nepean Hospital for seven years and prior to that worked as an aged care nurse.
Magistrate Leanne Robinson acknowledged that Mr Johnson had completed an online traffic offenders program as well as been involved in the Smart Recovery program, an addiction treatment program.
She noted he had expressed remorse and cooperated fully with police.
Mr Johnson was disqualified from driving for 3 months and fined $700.