Peter Chris Kenner in court for drink driving, failing to give a breath test

What started as a fun fishing trip with friends went south when a Sunshine Coast business owner was arrested on the side of a major Sunshine Coast road. Read what happened.

A Sunshine Coast businessman has wound up before the courts after a series of wild antics in the Maroochydore Watch House, after he spent the day fishing with friends.

Maroochydore Magistrates Court heard on September 19, 2022 how Peter Chris Kenner, 39, was caught driving more than twice the legal limit on August 21; but getting the reading was no easy feat.

Kenner kept his eyes on the floor throughout his appearance.

Police prosecutor James Allen told the court Kenner was pulled over after police spotted him swerving into an oncoming lane after failing to navigate a sweeping bend on David Low Way at Mt Coolum.

He then drove on for 300m after police activated their lights and sirens before he finally pulled over.

Peter Kenner. Photo: LinkedIn

Kenner told police he had “some beers” throughout the night and blew 0.120 – more than twice the legal limit.

He was arrested on the side of the road and taken to the Maroochydore police station, where he fell asleep in the back of the car, the court heard.

But Mr Allen said Kenner became “belligerent” with police after arriving at the station, and refused to take another breath test.

“He laid down on the floor, pulled his T-shirt over his head and stated he would not provide a specimen of breath,” he said.

He was given another chance to take a breath test but refused again, and told police he felt sick from eating oysters earlier in the night and thought he was going to vomit.

He never took a second test and was arrested again.

Kenner’s defence lawyer said he recently started his own business, where he does pressure cleaning across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

She said Kenner had been drinking with friends after a fishing trip, but felt sick after having some oysters and decided to go home.

Maroochydore Courthouse. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“He is extremely embarrassed and remorseful for his conduct,” she said.

She said Kenner “freaked out” and “panicked” after he came into contact with the police, which led to his behaviour in the watch house.

“His behaviour on the night was extremely out of character,” she said.

But Magistrate Rod Madsen did not agree.

“You’re very lucky to not have hurt someone else,” he said.

Kenner pleaded guilty to drink driving and failing to provide a specimen of breath.

He was fined $1800, disqualified from driving for 12 months and a conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Peter Chris Kenner in court for drink driving, failing to give a breath test