Siobhan Downey pleads guilty to drink driving offence in Bundaberg Magistrates Court

A Bundaberg radiation therapist with a clean record found herself bogged and charged with drink driving after getting behind the wheel while more than four times over the legal limit.

A Bundaberg medical professional has pleaded guilty to one charge of drink driving after glasses of wine and cocktails “poured with a bit of a heavy hand” nearly led to a car crash.

Bundaberg Magistrates Court heard that on June 18, 2022, Siobhan Downey was seen driving unusually along Hummock Rd, Qunaba at 9.20pm.

“Witnesses were driving west on Windermere Rd at Bargara, they were fast approaching the rear of a Nissan Pulsar being driven by the defendant who was travelling at approximately 50km/h and swerving all over the road,” Police prosecutor Senior Constable Andrew Powis said.

“The defendant has swerved over double lines and nearly run off the road before slamming on the brakes and making a left-hand turn onto Hummock Rd, Qunaba.

“As the defendant slowly entered Hummock Rd, a vehicle coming in the opposite direction has come to a complete stop to avoid a collision.”

Downey, 31, then continued down the road and slowed down, crossing the road to the other side where she drove into a ditch and bogged her car.

She stayed in the car for a few minutes before moving to the passenger seat and the court heard that when police arrived, Downey initially denied driving and refused to answer when police asked questions.

Siobhan Downey.

Officers noted Downey was “grossly intoxicated”, unsteady on her feet, falling over, had bloodshot eyes and was belligerent to police.

Analysis revealed she had a blood alcohol reading of 0.270.

The court heard Downey had been enjoying drinks at a friend’s house including red wine and cocktails that were “probably poured with a little bit of a heavy hand”.

The radiation therapist at a Bundaberg oncology clinic, had been dealing with the stress of her mother’s battle with cancer.

She was said to be “mortified” by her actions and had no criminal or traffic history, made an early plea of guilty and had since organised a mental health plan.

Magistrate John McInnes said Downey was a “responsibly employed, highly qualified person in a line of work that’s important to the community”.

References handed to the court spoke of her good character.

Mr McInnes said the only aggravating factors in her offending were that her reading was “very high” and attention was drawn to her driving, implying she was “adversely affected”.

He said as it was a struggle to get highly qualified people in the medical industry to come to the regions, any excess punishment of her would also punish the community.

Downey was fined $1300, referred to SPER and disqualified from driving for nine months.

A conviction was not recorded.

Originally published as Siobhan Downey pleads guilty to drink driving offence in Bundaberg Magistrates Court