Dillon Hunter McFeeters pleaded guilty for mid-range drink driving after crashing car, the court heard
A Toowoomba P-plater thought he would be fine to drive home after having a few drinks with mates, however would quickly learn just how wrong he was.
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An 18-year-old has learnt the harsh lesson that actions have consequences, after he was scolded in court for his concerning behaviour.
Dillon Hunter McFeeters pleaded guilty to one charge of mid-range drink driving at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Chris Willson told the court police attended the scene of a single vehicle accident on Bridge and Tor streets on June 2, 2022 at around 10.50pm to find an unconscious McFeeters behind the wheel.
Numerous empty Bundaberg Rum cans were located inside the written-off vehicle, including in the cup holder, and McFeeters was assessed and transported to Toowoomba Hospital where a blood alcohol concentration test returned a 0.115 reading.
McFeeters solicitor Joe McConnell told the court his client had attended the Toowoomba Hockey Club after footy training with his teammates, where he then made the “worst decision of his life” to drive home.
As a result of the automatic loss of license following the car accident, the provisional driver subsequently lost his job and apprenticeship as a carpenter.
While he has secured additional work, he is on “thin ice”, having to rely on colleagues to drive him to and from work sites.
Magistrate Kay Philipson said she was disheartened that McFeeters not only drove when he was not allowed any alcohol in his system, but was in the mid-range, was speeding between 13 and 20km/hr above the limit, and was in a car accident.
“I find it extremely concerning that young people, or anybody, thinks they can consume alcohol and get behind the wheel of a car endangering the lives not only of themselves but other road users,” she said.
Ms Philipson said while she took into account McFeeters’ early plea of guilty and that he had completed the Queensland Traffic Offenders program, she would make a decision to “reflect the seriousness of the offence”.
McFeeters was disqualified from driving for three months from Thursday, and served a $750 fine to be referred to SPER.
No conviction was recorded.
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