Javier Esteban Marin Quintero: Blacked out businessman crashed car on Pacific Motorway

A businessman was so drunk that he completely forgot crashing on the Pacific Motorway, having to call police to find out. Here’s what happened in court.

Javier Esteban Marin Quintero, 29.

A businessman crashed his vehicle after a night of drinking, losing a wheel and setting off his airbags but had to ring police days later to find out what happened.

Javier Esteban Marin Quintero pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday after a bungled attempt to travel to the heart of the Gold Coast last month.

Police prosecutor Erin Garland said authorities were called to the Pacific Motorway at Pimpama at 4.40am on January 21.

Javier Esteban Marin Quintero, 29.

Responding officers found Marin Quintero’s vehicle stopped on the right-hand shoulder of the southbound lane, with airbags deployed and a missing left wheel.

The 29-year-old driver blew 0.155, with a secondary blood alcohol test at Coomera Police Station later returning a result of 0.128.

Marin Quintero told police he’d been drinking and was on his way to Surfers Paradise.

“On February 2, the defendant has called Coomera Police Station and asked what had happened, telling police ‘I was so drunk, I have no memory of what happened’,” Ms Garland told the court.

Representing himself, Marin Quintero apologised to everyone involved and said he hopes to set a better example moving forward.

The self-described businessman was vague when the magistrate asked about his occupation, simply saying “I have some businesses”. The Bulletin understands one of Marin Quintero’s ventures is a flooring specialist.

He called his offending a “stupid, irrational decision” and “a big mistake”.

“That night I failed myself, my family, and my community,” Marin Quintero said.

“That’s not who I am, I question myself.”

The defendant said he supports his wife and two stepdaughters, and has to be on the road a lot for work, telling the magistrate he was prepared to “face the consequences”.

Acting Magistrate Michael Holohan said the punishment will reflect the choice the driver made when getting behind the wheel.

Marin Quintero cited “personal issues” for his behaviour, but understood “it’s still no excuse” for driving under the influence.

Acting Magistrate Holohan summarised: “All of this stems from you going through a rough patch (and) having a few drinks”.

“Driving along the motorway at the moment, with all those roadworks around Pimpama, is difficult enough sober,” the magistrate said.

“You made negotiating that road even more challenging.

“You’re very fortunate no one was injured, yourself included.”

Marin Quintero was fined $750 and disqualified from driving for six months. No conviction was recorded.