Robert Frederick Walter in Yeppoon court for drunken car crash

A Central Queensland drink driver whose crashed car ended up on its roof had previously been given a suspended jail sentence after driving while more than four times the legal blood alcohol limit.

Robert Frederick Walter faced Yeppoon Magistrates Court after a drunken car crash.

A Capricorn Coast drink driver who recently wrote off his $28,000 car had previously been given a suspended jail term for a drunken crash, a court has heard.

Robert Frederick Walter, 28, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on August 10 to drink driving.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Darrell Dalton said at 1.05am on June 15, Walter was driving a Ford Ranger on Emu Park Rd towards Yeppoon when, prior to the Tanby turn-off, he crashed the car which ended up on its roof.

Sgt Dalton said Walter extracted himself from the vehicle and remained at the crash scene until ambulance and police arrived.

Walter subsequently returned a blood-alcohol content of .135.

Sgt Dalton said on Walter’s traffic history was an entry of “high relevance” – a .228 drink driving offence that was dealt with in court in July, 2020.

The court heard for that prior offending, which also involved dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Walter received a one-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Robert Frederick Walter.

“In my submission, it’s a matter where there is the full array of sentencing options available to you,” Sgt Dalton told Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale in court.

“It is concerning here though, Your Honour, that on the last occasion that he was intoxicated that there was a dangerous operation offence before the court and here, again … well a reading certainly over .100 and again there’s a traffic accident, albeit a single-vehicle traffic accident.”

Ms Beckinsale told Walter: “You have had what ought to have been a wake-up call from drinking and driving just three years ago and yet here you are (again).

“It’s not as high range (this time) … but nevertheless there must be a bit of deja vu there.”

Solicitor Cam Schroder said Walter’s mum and dad, and his de facto wife were in court in support of him.

“He (Walter) is very well respected by his family, friends and employer,” Mr Schroder said.

“There’s also a reference from his employer – clearly he’s a very valued employee at work.

“The problem is alcohol – my client is attending a psychologist to address that problem and I do have a letter from the psychologist of the appointments that he’s attended.”

Mr Schroder said Walter wrote off his $28,000 uninsured car in the crash.

Ms Beckinsale fined Walter $1500 and disqualified him from driving for 15 months.

Originally published as Robert Frederick Walter in Yeppoon court for drunken car crash