A father-of-six from Mildura will front court after a dangerous and frightening day on April 30. He was in a serious motorbike crash after driving drunk, and he lost just about everything. The man ultimately pleaded guilty to the charge of high-range drink driving. He was driving without a valid motorcycle licence and recorded a blood-alcohol level of 0.178 – over three times the legal limit.
During the incident, the man mounted a nature strip and collided with a mailbox and a fence while his young daughter was a passenger. The crash sparked a national outrage and disgust over dangerous roads, especially for children.
Legal Consequences
What the ensuing court fight revealed was that the man’s driver’s license was actually suspended. One of those differences was that they disclosed that his bike’s registration had expired only a week before the collision. To start acknowledging how serious what he did truly is, Magistrate Michael Coghlan threw the book at him. The man ultimately plead guilty to illegal shooting and was fined $400. And his driver’s license was subsequently revoked for a period of four years. In addition, during this period he needs to undertake 80 hours of unpaid community service over the next 6 months.
“You’re lucky I’m not considering that [jail] today. Next time there might not be any option,” – Magistrate Michael Coghlan
Despite the seriousness of these circumstances, the father received no jail time. Magistrate Coghlan then made the critical mistake of failing to reconsider his own drinking habits.
Focus on Safety
Road Policing Acting Senior Sergeant Vanessa Power said the consequences of driving intoxicated are fatal. She shined an impactful light on the various dangers of this reckless practice.
“Generally, when people drink and drive, it’s not just themselves they put in danger,” – Road Policing Acting Senior Sergeant Vanessa Power
The incident has sparked discussions on the need for stricter enforcement of road safety laws, particularly regarding drivers with children. The role of a child in this incident has captured the attention and favor of local leaders and activists as well as members of the community at large.
A Call for Change
The legal repercussions endured by the father are an unfortunate testament to the realities of impaired driving. His future now remains in the balance. This way, he has to choose sobriety today, or be hurt in more damaging ways tomorrow.
Magistrate Coghlan’s statement reflects a broader call for responsible parenting and road safety. The gaming community continues to remain very vigilant on this issue. Today, this father is journeying towards rehabilitation and facing the tragic reality of his actions.
