Drink-driving accused blows 0.221 after being found next to car in driveway, Tasmania Police say

A disqualified driver accused of returning a blood-alcohol reading of 0.221 after smashing his car at a service station is due to front court this morning.

Drink driving is one of the fatal five offences when it comes to road safety, say Tasmania Police. Picture: PATRICK GEE

AN alleged drink driver who police say left the scene of a crash and was later found next to his car in his driveway is due to front court this morning.

Police have charged a 21-year-old man with a high-range drink-driving offence after the incident in the Launceston suburb of Newnham last night.

He is due to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at 11am, facing a charge of exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit.

Police allege the man was involved in a crash at BP Newnham and then left the

scene returning to his home address.

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“Police located the heavily intoxicated man lying next to his vehicle in the driveway of his home and the subsequent investigation into his driving resulted in him returning a breath analysis reading of 0.221, (more than) four times the legal limit,” police said in a statement.

“It is also alleged the man was driving against a court imposed disqualification after being found guilty of a similar offence earlier this year.”

Drink driving is one of Tasmania Police’s “fatal five” offences — an action that can contribute to serious injury or death.

Anyone who saw a blue Toyota Hilux utility in the Newham area about 9pm yesterday is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously

on 1800 333 000.