Jack Timothy Walter Sparks, 20, busted drink-driving in car with only three wheels

A 20-year-old diesel fitter who got busted drink-driving in a car with only three wheels in Townsville was trying to get home after a big night out, a court has heard.

A young diesel fitter who got busted drink-driving in a car with only three wheels in Townsville was trying to get home after a big night out, a court has heard.

Burdell man Jack Timothy Walter Sparks, 20, pleaded guilty in Townsville Magistrates Court to two charges, including one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle and adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, on Monday.

The court heard Sparks had been out drinking with friends when police spotted him driving a car with only three wheels in Shaw during the early hours of the morning on Tuesday, September 20.

Burdell man Jack Timothy Walter Sparks, 20, leaving Townsville Magistrates Court.

The car – carrying Sparks and three passengers – drove about 3km before police manoeuvred it off the road and onto an embankment.

Tests later revealed Sparks had been driving over the general alcohol limit.

The court heard the incident occurred only a short period after Sparks got his licence back for a previous driving offence.

Sparks’ lawyer told the court he was working as a diesel fitter apprentice, and there was a risk he would lose his employment without a licence.

“The further circumstances of what happened, your honour, was that he was out with friends the night before drinking,” he said.

“They ended up at the Avenues Tavern. My client was actually asleep in the car. His friends had gone into the Avenues. He’s not sure for how long, but when they returned, they were consequently in a worse state.

“He had woken up. No one was able to drive. He also concedes he should have driven, either.

“The intent behind his driving was to try and get home.”

Sparks was fined $2030 and disqualified from driving for nine months. No convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Jack Timothy Walter Sparks, 20, busted drink-driving in car with only three wheels