Drunk driver Michael Dooley assaults police officer on Remembrance Day

A drunk driver who was almost three times over the limit when he drove his mum’s car towards a police officer on Remembrance Day has been given driving and drinking bans.

A DRUNK driver who was almost three times over the limit when he drove his mum’s car towards a police officer has been banned from driving for 12 months.

Michael Dooley, 25, of Empire Bay, was also ordered to do 100 hours community service after using the Subaru Outback to swerve at the ­constable during a Remembrance Day ceremony at North ­Sydney.

Michael Dooley, 25, leaving Manly Local Court. Picture: Jim O’Rourke.

In Manly Local Court on Wednesday Dooley was also banned from using alcohol for 12 months.

The constable, and a number of other police officers, were on duty at St ­Leonard’s Park about 4.30pm on November 11 last year when they heard a car on nearby Ridge St revving loudly and causing a disturbance during the ceremony.

The court heard that Dooley had been on his way from his home in Ashfield, where he lived at the time, to see a family member in Manly when he got lost in North Sydney and was spoken to by an officer.

Michael Dooley, 25, of Empire Bay. Picture: Facebook

In a Facts Sheet tendered to court, police said Dooley then drove off, resulting in the officer’s arm striking the car’s door frame.

Dooley then turned the car around on the narrow street and drove at the constable, who had to jump between two parked cars to avoid being hit. A short time later police found the car, which belongs to Dooley’s mother, crashed into a concrete barrier on nearby Albert St.

Police arrested Dooley. A subsequent breath analysis allegedly returned a reading of 0.139.

Dooley pleaded guilty to one count each of ­assault police officer in ­execution of duty, negligent driving, drive with mid-range PCA and drive manner dangerous.

His Legal Aid solicitor told the court that Dooley had been drinking the night before and had a “few bourbons” on the day of the incidents.

The solicitor said Dooley, who had no previous convictions and had a clean driving record, misunderstood what the police had wanted him to do after they approached his car.

Michael Dooley. Picture: Facebook.

Michael Dooley leaves Manly Local Court.

“It appears his immediate reaction was that he just wanted to get away,” the solicitor said.

The court heard that Dooley’s actions at North Sydney may be related to the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder he was diagnosed with after being the victim of a violent home invasion in 2015.

Dooley was struck a number of times with a crowbar in the attack.

Magistrate Christopher Longley said to Dooley that while the home invasion may have had a psychological effect on him it “certainly does not explain why you put those officers in peril”.

On the charges of assaulting a police officer Mr Longley handed Dooley a Community Correction Order that he be of good behaviour for eight-months.

For driving over the limit Dooley had his licence disqualified from nine months and was given a 12-month Community Correction Order.

Dooley must complete 100 hours of community service for the drive manner dangerous charge and was fined $500 and disqualified from driving for 12 months for negligent driving.