Bradley Lex Johnson pleaded guilty to drink driving, possession of a knife

When he was caught drink driving with a large knife “slipping down his right pant leg”, a Fraser Coast security guard had some explaining to do.

Bradley Lex Johnson, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of drink driving and one count of possessing a knife in a public place when he faced Hervey Bay Magistrates Court this week.

A drink driver who was busted with a 30cm kitchen knife down his pants told police he needed it for protection.

Bradley Lex Johnson, 23, pleaded guilty in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court to one count of drink driving and one count of possessing a knife in a public place.

The court heard police had been called to Marine Court in Urangan when they saw a black Mazda 3 driven by Johnson.

Police stopped the vehicle and asked Johnson to do a breath test, to which he tested positive.

Johnson was detained and was asked if he had anything “he shouldn’t have”.

He admitted to having a knife that was “slipping down his right pant leg”.

Johnson was searched by police and the officers located a large kitchen knife about 30cm in length with a black handle in his pants.

The knife was seized by police and Johnson said he had retrieved the knife after his partner threatened to have about 15 people “come after him,” the court heard.

Johnson was taken to Hervey Bay Police Station for another breath test which returned a reading of 0.189, almost four times the legal limit.

Duty lawyer Daniel Ould said Johnson was single, currently looking for work and receiving Centrelink payments.

He had previously worked in security but had lost the job as a result of the charges, Mr Ould said.

“As indicated by the facts, he had possession of the knife due to threats that had been made against him.

“He obviously shouldn’t have had the knife, he’s aware of that and that certainly had ramifications for his security licence as well.”

Bradley Lex Johnson, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of drink driving and one count of possessing a knife in a public place when he faced Hervey Bay Magistrates Court this week.

Mr Ould said Johnson was seeking counselling and acknowledged he had issues with alcohol that he needed to address.

Magistrate Trinity McGarvie said she took into account similar offending on Johnson’s criminal history.

“You cannot ever arm yourself with a knife in self-defence and go out into the public,” Ms McGarvie said.

“It is such an inherently dangerous act for people to be going around the streets with weapons and that weapon was not an inconsiderable one, it was a significant implement,” she said.

Ms McGarvie said she took into account the fact that Johnson had lost his job because of the charges.

Johnson was fined $1600 and was disqualified from driving for nine months.

Convictions were recorded.

Fears super-powerful Black Death strain could hit Australia

Bruce Highway exit blocked after truck vs. car crash

Originally published as Bradley Lex Johnson pleaded guilty to drink driving, possession of a knife