Dalby driver sentenced in a Western Downs court after dangerous late night truck ride

A father of four who was high on ice while driving a truck without lights on down a quiet Dalby street late at night offered an incredible excuse when stopped by police. See his reason for the careless trip.

Police Car with Lights. Law Enforcement themes.

A Dalby man with multiple drug drive charges under his belt took to the streets again while high on ice and behind the wheel of a truck without headlights on at night.

Glenn Farnham was pulled over by Dalby police on June 4 last year after 9pm while driving a prime mover along Wood St without the vehicle’s lights on.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins said police asked the 52-year-old if he was under the influence of drugs as he appeared to be falling asleep as talking with them.

“They observed he had pinpointed eyes, they were watery, he had heavy eyelids, was slow in his responses and slurring his speech,” Sergeant Hutchins said.

“He said he smoked ice the previous day.”

The court was told police transported the father of four to Dalby Hospital where he presented a positive reading for meth and that when police probed the man on why he was driving, he responded that his lift didn’t arrive and he was on his way to his mum’s house.

“People shouldn’t be driving trucks with no lights because it’s a risk to life,” Sergeant Hutchins said.

He told the court Farnham was sentenced for a UIL in April 2021, and was currently serving two suspended sentences.

Defence lawyer Julia Molloy said her client “deeply” regretted his decision to drive and had been without a licence since the offence.

“It’s changed his whole lifestyle significantly,” she said.

“It’s been a big wake up for him in that respect.”

Magistrate Kyna Morice highlighted the consequences that could have occurred from the father’s actions.

“You are incredibly lucky no accidents occurred at that time,” she said.

“Nobody in their right mind would make that decision.”

Farnham pleaded guilty to one count of driving while under the influence.

He was sentenced to a probation period of 12 months and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Ms Morice extended the operational period of the first suspended sentence he breached by one day, with the second suspended sentence, a three month jail term, extended for an operational period of six months.

Originally published as Dalby driver sentenced in a Western Downs court after dangerous late night truck ride