Robert James Muller sentenced for litany of driving, traffic offences in Toowoomba Magistrates Court

In a ‘story of great tragedy’ a drug addict disqualified from driving was found passed out behind the wheel of a running car seen driving dangerously on the Toowoomba range.

A serial offender facing court for 25 offences, including multiple charges of driving while disqualified, traffic offences and breaching bail, has been spared from spending Christmas behind bars.

Robert James Muller’s trouble with the law began after he was disqualified from driving for two years in April 2019, however was caught driving following a traffic complaint at Yarraman on August 27, 2020.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Chris Willson said “the most serious” offence in Muller’s litany of charges for sentence took place on September 17 last year after police received reports of a black Jeep driving dangerously on the Toowoomba second range crossing.

“A short time later police located the vehicle parked idling outside a Withcott business,” Senior Constable Willson said.

“At the time (Muller) was passed out at the wheel, seatbelt on and appeared heavily under the influence of liquor or a drug.”

The court was told officers had to force entry into the vehicle after Muller refused to get out, provide his details or a roadside breath and drug test.

A blood test later revealed the presence of cannabis, amphetamine and diazepam.

Describing Muller as an “abusive nuisance” Senior Constable Willson said Muller posed a “dangerous and unacceptable risk to other road users”.

The 39-year-old faced Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to the range of offences, dating from August 2020 to September this year, that included driving while disqualified, breach of bail, in charge of a vehicle while under the influence, obstruct police, wilful damage and stealing.

Muller’s solicitor Alisha Jacobsen said her client had a long history of struggling with drug addiction and homelessness, which was made worse after the death of his father in July 2019.

After receiving a $220,000 inheritance in July last year, Ms Jacobsen said Muller bought a black Jeep then spent the rest of the money on drugs.

Despite his history Ms Jacobsen said Muller had completed a six month drug rehabilitation program this year, which saw him gain employment and a home, but after a relapse he “stuffed it up” and lost both.

Magistrate Damian Carroll summed up Muller’s life as a “story of great tragedy, a young man seriously affected by drugs”.

Muller was jailed for five months, with an immediate release on parole. He was also ordered to perform 100 hours community service within 12 months, and disqualified from driving for two years and nine months.