Toowoomba Magistrates Court: Clifford James Schonrock busted on drug and driving crimes

When Toowoomba police officers approached a car stopped in traffic they found a man passed out while eating pizza – but that’s not all they found.

Clifford James Schonrock leaving to Toowoomba courthouse on January 24, 2023. Picture: Toowoomba Chronicle

A Toowoomba driver with a habit of passing out in his car while under the influence, has again faced court for his dangerous behaviour.

Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told that in August 2022, Clifford James Schonrock was found intoxicated and slumped over his steering wheel – similar to an incident in 2020 when he fell asleep while waiting to fuel up.

Police prosecutor Cameron Francis said police were patrolling Darling Heights about 12pm when they noticed a Holden sedan stopped in traffic on West St.

“Three quarters of the southbound lane was blocked … which made it incredibly difficult for cars to pass by,” he said.

Mr Francis said when police got to the car, they found the 42-year-old man passed out with a half-eaten slice of pizza on his lap.

Clifford James Schonrock leaving to Toowoomba courthouse on January 24, 2023. Picture: Toowoomba Chronicle

The court was told officers struggled to wake Schonrock, who still had the keys in the ignition and the car in neutral.

Mr Francis said Schonrock eventually woke, but then a struggle ensued between him and his car door.

“He appeared very incoherent and confused,” he said.

“He (also) appeared drowsy, he had bloodshot eyes, was unsteady on his feet … (and) his pupils were pinpoints.

“Police could smell cannabis … he was then detained for a search.”

Mr Francis said officers found a small bag of methamphetamine in his pocket.

When asked about drug use, Schonrock said all he had taken was Valium and Panadeine Forte.

On Tuesday, January 24, Schonrock pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine and being in control of a car while under the influence.
He was fined $1100 and disqualified from driving for 12 months.