Justin Thomas Blaha in court for drink driving after crash

A Sunshine Coast man who veered off the road and down a steep drop before smashing into a tree was nearly five times the limit when tested in hospital.

Justin Thomas Blaha leaves Maroochydore Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A Sunshine Coast court heard of a metal fabricator’s alcohol addiction that led him to crash his car into a tree at almost five times the legal limit.

Mons man Justin Thomas Blaha, 36, pleaded guilty in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on August 5 to one count of driving under the influence of liquor.

Police prosecutor Shane Raison told the court emergency services attended a crash at Mons Rd, Forest Glen on June 23 involving a ute.

The court heard on this occasion Blaha had sharply turned right and went off the road, ultimately going down a steep drop and crashing into trees.

Justin Thomas Blaha leaves the Maroochydore Courthouse. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Mr Raison said Blaha was tested and blew 0.247 at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital after he was taken by paramedics following the incident.

Defence lawyer Rowena Ferrall said Blaha’s car worth $10,000 had been written off and continues to attend hospital for injuries sustained from the whiplash of the crash.

Ms Ferrall told the court Blaha is a father of two and works as a metal fabricator, with the loss of his licence expected to impact his commute to work.

She said her client had a “history of problematic drinking” and had a relapse into alcohol after staying sober for several months.

Ms Ferrall asked for no conviction to be recorded as Blaha frequently travels overseas to see family.

Justin Thomas Blaha was nearly five times the legal alcohol limit when tested in a Sunshine Coast hospital. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Mr Raison suggested to the court a conviction should be recorded in light of the high reading.

Magistrate Chris Callaghan noted the reading was approaching five times the legal limit.

“You’re addicted to alcohol, it seems,” he said.

Blaha was fined $1200 and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

A conviction was not recorded.

Originally published as Justin Thomas Blaha in court for drink driving after crash