Ronan Angus Robinson pleads guilty in Roma Magistrates Court to drink driving over the middle alcohol limit

The owner of a regional Queensland building business, whose car was written off after he caused a major crash near Injune, has faced court after he and his passenger were hospitalised. Here’s what the magistrate said.

A drunk driver who caused a massive crash near Injune earlier this year was lucky to have walked away with his life after the car he was driving flung across the road, a court has been told.

Ronan Angus Robinson pleaded guilty in Roma Magistrates Court to driving over the middle alcohol limit.

Police prosecutor Mathew Donnelly said on May 6 about 2am, police responded to reports of a single-vehicle rollover on Arcadia Valley Rd, Baffle West.

The court was told the LandCruiser Robinson was driving suffered “significant damage” after it rolled across the road.

“On arrival (police)... observed markings on the road which (showed) the vehicle had swung from one side of the road to the other and then rolled at least once,” Mr Donnelly said.

A female was identified as being a passenger in the vehicle and police spoke with Robinson as he was being treated in the rear of an ambulance.

“He stated he had been drinking earlier at the Injune Hotel and consumed several beers and rum and coke cans,” Mr Donnelly said.

Police obtained a blood sample after both the female passenger and defendant were taken to hospital, while firefighters stayed behind to clear the road and remove the vehicle, which had to be completely written off.

The court was told a blood analysis came back a few days later revealing Robinson, who operates his own building business, had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.127.

Defence lawyer Matt McCarthy said his client had no prior disqualifications or suspensions on his licence, other than a good behaviour bond.

“Mr Robinson is a fit and proper person to hold a restricted (work) licence having regard for the safety of other road users and the public generally,” Mr McCarthy said.

“Mr Robinson instructed that his offending is a complete aberration from his character and he is extremely remorseful of his offending.

“He fully understands the danger he posed to the community at the time.

“His licence has never previously been disqualified or suspended. However he was on a good driving behaviour bond for a 12 month period from April 2017 to April 2018.”

Mr McCarthy told the court his client had taken initiative and responsibility by paying for and completing the Queensland Traffic Offenders Program.

“Though he has a limited and dated traffic history, he’s been reeducated in regards to road safety rules,” Mr McCarthy said.

“He’s also attended two sessions of alcoholics anonymous programs. It demonstrates his insight into his own offending as well as his remorse.”

Magistrate Shane Elliott said Robinson was lucky to not have been charged with dangerous driving adversely affected causing death which would have meant facing jail time.

“You’re lucky for one for your own safety and that you didn’t clean someone up,” the magistrate said.

“You were at the hotel you thought you’d have a punt and drive home, but you lost (and) your car rolled. At least you were honest with the police, that goes to your credit.”

Robinson was handed a $600 fine, referred to SPER, and disqualified from driving for five months.

He was granted a restricted work licence and no conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Ronan Angus Robinson pleads guilty in Roma Magistrates Court to drink driving over the middle alcohol limit