The following is from today’s local newspaper, Fraser Coast Chronicle. You will see why the courts are no deterrent for habitual offenders!
A MAN has received a prison sentence for drink driving in Hervey Bay.
Troy John Fletcher, 40, pleaded guilty to three offences in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court, including drink driving, obstructing police and public nuisance.
"It is plainly obvious you and alcohol don't mix," said Magistrate Graeme Tatnell, who has sentenced Fletcher numerous times in the past for similar alcohol-related offences.
Finally, Mr Tatnell had enough, and ordered a prison sentence of four months this time around.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Jeanette Grigoris said Fletcher returned a blood alcohol content of 0.146 after being intercepted in his car on Freshwater St in Scarness on December 8.
His public nuisance and obstructing police charges then followed after he was taken to the police station on Torquay Rd.
Mr Tatnell fined Fletcher a combined total of $850 for the public nuisance and obstruct police charges.
Due to his history of drink driving offences, however, Mr Tatnell felt a fine would not be enough for that charge.
This resulted in the prison sentence, although it was suspended immediately.
Mr Tatnell also ordered a licence disqualification of 18 months for Fletcher.
As he left the court with the suspended sentence hanging over his head, Fletcher assured Mr Tatnell that would be the last time the magistrate would see him in court.
And I hate it when the headline is 'A MAN has received a prison sentence for drink driving in Hervey Bay.' In my books he was not sent to prison. Kevin