Builder Craig Robert Pettiford faces Toowoomba Magistrates Court for high range drink driving

A builder has fronted court after he crashed head-on into a car at Toowoomba while more than four times the legal limit.

Craig Robert Pettiford fronted Toowoomba Court on Wednesday, April 19, and pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence along Ruthven Street. . Picture: Shutterstock

A Toowoomba magistrate told a local builder he was lucky he did not kill himself or innocent bystanders after he drove with a blood-alcohol level of 0.219 and crashed head-on into another vehicle.

Craig Robert Pettiford fronted Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday, April 19, where he pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence along Ruthven St.

Police prosecutor Rohan Brewster-Webb said Pettiford crashed head-on into another car at about 10.40pm on January 26 after leaving the Southern Hotel.

Craig Robert Pettiford fronted Toowoomba Court on Wednesday, April 19, and pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence along Ruthven Street. Pic: File

A person from the other car was rushed to hospital following the crash, but their injuries were not detailed in court.

Mr Brewster-Webb said the builder told officers he was about to drive his mates home – which was an hour’s drive from Toowoomba.

The court was told Pettiford had two pages of traffic history and was caught drink drinking in 2020.

Traffic lawyer Andrew Wiseman said the father of four completed a traffic offenders program following the crash and the loss of license would impact his income and building business.

Mr Wiseman said Pettiford never intended to stay too long at the pub as he originally stopped in for a beer after work.

Pettiford was fined $1500 and disqualified from driving for nine months.