Gatton mum Vernyse Johanne Charter faces court for drink driving with kid in car

A Gatton mother has fronted court for driving over the limit on a bottle-shop run with a young child in the car.

Vernyse Johanne Charter fronted Gatton Court on Wednesday, August 23, and pleaded guilty to the driving charge. Picture: iStock

When Gatton police officers intercepted Vernyse Johanne Charter’s car for a routine traffic stop they got more than they bargained for.

Gatton Magistrates Court was told the mum decided to go for a drive to fetch whisky after running out of the liquor – and along for the drive was a young child.

At court on Tuesday, August 23, Charter pleaded guilty to driving while over the general alcohol limit.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Narelle Lowe said the woman was interested by police along Gatton Helidon Rd, at Gatton.

Vernyse Johanne Charter fronted Gatton Court on Wednesday, August 23, and pleaded guilty to the driving charge. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Sergeant Lowe said a roadside test came back positive, and further analysis of her breath showed a reading of 0.072.

When questioned by police, Sergeant Lowe said Charter admitted to drinking two large cans of whisky and coke.

“She told police… after finishing these two cans she decided to drive to the Gatton View Hotel to pick up more,” she said.

“She picked up a four-pack and was heading home to drink these when she was intercepted.

“Police observed a five to six-year-old child in the rear seat.”

Charter said she would not have driven if she knew she was over the limit.

Magistrate Gary Finger said to the unrepresented woman – “you know you did the wrong thing don’t you?”

“Yes,” she said.

She asked for a greater fine rather than a lengthy license disqualification.

Mr Finger said he took into account her guilty plea, before fining her $600 and disqualifying her licence for one month.

“No more of this rubbish – you understand that,” the magistrate said.

Originally published as Gatton mum Vernyse Johanne Charter faces court for drink driving with kid in car