A motorist who crashed into a church fence and allegedly blew .295 says a medical issue was the cause of the accident
Driver who allegedly blew nearly six times over the limit after smashing into a church fence says blackout caused the crash.
Inner South
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner South . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A driver who allegedly blew nearly six times over the legal limit after he crashed into a church fence says it was a medical issue that caused the smash, not alcohol.
Police say the motorist, who came close to wiping out innocent parishioners that had moments before stood outside the church, then fled the scene and went home.
Dustin Keith Westblade did not appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court yesterday for his hearing, with his lawyer saying he was unwell.
DRUNK DRIVER HID IN CARWASH TO AVOID BOOZE BUS
DRUNK MUM CRASHED CAR WITH BABY ON BOARD
The lawyer said Mr Westblade would be contesting the charges and asked for an adjournment for time to get independent witness statements, and audio and visual material.
Court documents seen by the Leader show the 47-year-old from Malvern East is facing eight traffic charges including driving while intoxicated, careless driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
Police allege at about 5.30pm on April 7 last year Mr Westblade was driving along Emo Rd in Malvern East.
When he approached the Manning Rd intersection, he allegedly drove around a stationary car before mounting a nature strip and careering into the stone and iron fence of St Mary’s Church.
His car was stranded on top of the smashed railings, and was unable to be moved.
They say he then left the scene and walked about 500m to his home.
When police went to his house, they tested him and he allegedly blew .295.
REPEAT DRINK-DRIVER ESCAPES JAIL
DAD LEAVES BABY IN CAR TO GO TO SHOPS
Mr Westblade told officers varying reasons for the accident, saying he had blacked out, had an epilepsy attack, had recent seizures and had Crohn’s disease.
Police say just 30 minutes before the crash parishioners had been leaving the church and could have easily been hit by his out-of-control vehicle.
They believe Mr Westblade had earlier been seen at a supermarket, where witnesses allegedly described him as intoxicated and unsteady on his feet.
In previous court hearings Mr Westblade’s lawyer said he disputed he was drunk and the crash was due to a medical issue.
Magistrate Jade Bott adjourned the case until March 14.
MORE NEWS
‘White Australia’ fundraiser raises $27k in just eight days
A crowd-funding page created by a controversial neo-Nazi figure has raised more than $27,000 to help “create a home for white people in Australia”.
Pictures: Victorian preppies start their first day of school
About 70,000 Victorian grade prep students have started their first year of school this week. Check back to see all the photos from primary schools across the state.