Wolf Creek producer David Lightfoot crashes car, records .253 blood alcohol reading

A producer behind some of Australia’s best-known films is now in the limelight for all the wrong reasons after crashing his car in Elsternwick before collapsing on the road. A hospital blood test later revealed he was more than five times over the limit.

Wolf Creek producer David Lightfoot has pleaded guilty to drink-driving after crashing his car in Elsternwick while five times over the limit. Picture: Lindsay Moller

An internationally renowned movie man has starred in court, pleading guilty to drink-driving after crashing his car while five times over the limit.

Wolf Creek producer David Lightfoot, who also worked on Babe and Bad Boy Bubby, collapsed on an Elsternwick street before registering 0.253.

Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning heard the 59-year-old, who lives in South Australia, was involved in a low-speed smash on Glen Huntly Rd about lunchtime on July 5 last year.

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Lightfoot got out of his car and collapsed onto the road.

He was taken to The Alfred hospital by ambulance for a head strike, but became agitated and police had to be called to accompany paramedics for the remainder of the journey.

While in hospital a blood sample was taken, which revealed the high alcohol reading.

When he was later interviewed by police he said he only recalled some elements of the day.

He said he had drunk a miniature bottle of vodka 45 minutes before the crash to “calm his nerves” as he was “shaking badly”.

He said the only reason he could think of as to why his reading was so high was because his “liver was not working properly”.

In court his defence lawyer said his client had ongoing medical issues due to being attacked in France in May.

David Lightfoot has ongoing medical issues due to being attacked at the Cannes Film Festival, his lawyer says. Picture: Sarah Reed

The Adelaide Advertiser last year reported Lightfoot was assaulted by two muggers at the Cannes Film Festival. He managed to fend off the attackers but suffered a head wound during the crime.

His lawyer said Lightfoot suffered serious liver problems, which he was now fully aware of, and“just can’t drink any more, drinking will kill him”.

He said his client had served the community in the armed forces and then as a JP, a role from which he had now resigned.

Magistrate Charles Tan said five times over the limit was a very high reading.

“This is a very sobering experience for him, it is embarrassing for a Justice of the Peace,” Mr Tan said.

But Mr Tan said Lightfoot had no priors, had served the community for a long time and was now getting professional help, so deserved some credit.

Lightfoot was convicted and fined $2000, and had his licence disqualified for two years.