Brett Powell: Teacher questioned over bizarre outburst before being charged for drink-driving

A drunk driver, oblivious to the presence of plain clothed police, made a U-Turn and a bizarre outburst in front of them that led the officers to activate their warning devices.

Brett Powell outside Port Macquarie Court

A Port Macquarie school teacher has tendered a letter of remorse to a court magistrate over a drink-driving charge he thought he’d never ever have to face again in his lifetime.

Brett Powell, 53, “had no intention” of driving home drunk the night of October 2 when he moved his car from a friend’s driveway up the road, before being apprehended by police who reacted to a strange outburst he made from the driver’s seat.

Exactly to whom — or why — he yelled “do you want a fight?” just moments before his arrest, is not exactly clear.

Brett Powell outside Port Macquarie Court

Mr Powell — who represented himself at Port Macquarie Court on Wednesday — insisted it was directed towards a friend, and not police, who said the 53-year-old was “moderately affected by alcohol” when police activated their sirens and stopped him along Hill St, Port Macquarie, about 7.15pm.

“That’s what teachers call out to each other, is it?” Magistrate Georgina Darcy said.

“That doesn't sound right.”

Mr Powell, who is an itinerant school teacher at Hastings and Macleay Valley campuses, had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of drive with a mid-range PCA after returning a reading of .123 when arrested by police.

On Thursday he was convicted and disqualified from driving for three months.

Mr Powell had been drinking with a friend on October 2 when he consumed about two bottles of wine before getting behind the wheel to drive.

But while admitting what he did was wrong, it was never his intention to drive home. In court he stated he was merely moving his car to make way for other vehicles returning to the property later on.

Brett Powell outside Port Macquarie Court

“Your honour I am guilty of this offence but wished to let you know that I indeed had no intention of driving home that night,” the letter of remorse stated.

“I have experienced a previous DUI incident more than 10 years ago, the guilt and dishonour of being charged with such an offence was something I never wanted to experience again.”

Character references tendered in court documents from fellow Department of Education employees, one of whom was principal at a prominent Port Macquarie college, noted Mr Powell was a well respected teacher who had built good relationships with peers and students.

It was noted that his specialisations as an educator of students with disabilities was a valued part of his employment.

Ms Darcy said while she understood his need to drive for work, his positive reading was “just too high” to let him back on the road.

Port Macquarie Court House

“I do see you have a real need for your licences to assist children with disabilities that you work with,” she said.

“But the reading is just too high for me to allow you back on the road at the moment.

“What is obvious is you had consumed a significant amount of alcohol because your reading was .123

“You presented significant risk to the community.

“Your students are suffering because you don’t have a licence.”

Mr Powell was convicted and fined $800 and had a three month disqualification, backdated to October 2 when the offence occurred, imposed.

A mandatory interlock device will also be installed on his vehicle as part of the order.