Black Rock drunk drive: Bayside MP’s brother Brendan Rowswell, CPR director court case
The director of one of the country’s leading PR relations groups and brother of a state Liberal MP got drunk behind the wheel of his Mercedes and led police on a pursuit in Bayside. But a traumatic event led to the incident, it has been revealed.
Inner South
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A high-flying director of a leading public relations company got behind the wheel while drunk and sped off from police.
Brendan Rowswell, 35, pleaded guilty in the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after speeding from officers in Black Rock before blowing more than three times the legal limit on December 15 last year.
The court heard the Communications and Public Relations (CPR) director — who specialises in government relations — was driving his Mercedes when he approached two officers who were directing traffic near Bluff Rd about 5.25pm.
Rowswell, brother of Sandringham state Liberal MP Brad Rowswell, came about 10m from one police officer and came to a full stop before the officer asked him to turn into Red Bluff St and stop.
But after stopping on Red Bluff St, Rowswell quickly accelerated and turned through Percy St.
Officers tailed Rowswell with lights and sirens before he stopped on Potter St.
“(The officer) approached the driver’s side … immediately smelling alcohol,” the prosecution said.
Rowswell slurred his name to police and admitted he had consumed alcohol.
He was taken to Moorabbin police station where he returned a blood alcohol reading of .168.
Rowswell’s lawyer said an event of “great personal turmoil” triggered the drunken drive but he did not elaborate.
He said his client had not driven since the incident and no longer drinks alcohol.
“He behaved on this occasion entirely contrary to a way he has ever had before or ever (will) again,” the defence said.
“He’s fallen on his sword, (with) a great deal of humiliation from friends, family and those involved in business.
“(He’ll) never find himself before a court again.”
Magistrate Paul Smith noted Rowswell had a clean driving record and was dedicated to his charity work in Australia and overseas.
He said Rowswell would continue to make a “significant contribution” to his community.
“When I say you have excellent prospects, that’s putting it mildly,” Mr Smith told Rowswell.
“This is not a case where I’m concerned about you needing rehab … you’re a fine, upstanding member of the community.”
Rowswell was convicted of drink driving and failing to obey the lawful direction of police.
He was fined $1000 and had his licence cancelled for 16 months.
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au
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