Youth, 15, hooning after drinking

9th February 2010

AN unlicensed baby-faced youth who blew a positive breath alcohol reading of 0.096 after a hoon around Leslie Dam in early January won’t beallowed to sit for a learner-driverpermit until August.

The 15-year-old Warwick juvenile, who cannot be identified, appeared in Warwick Children’s Court yesterday and was told by Magistrate Anne Thacker he won’t be able to celebrate his 16th birthday in late March with a trip to Queensland Transport to obtain a learner’s permit.

“Drink-driving is the worst thing a young man can do, especially one who is not all that big,” Magistrate Thacker said.

“You’ve got a way to go before you’re a six-foot giant, so alcohol has a greater effect on your body.

“There’s a new drinking attitude that’s going around but hasn’t caught up with people in the country yet.

“If you’re driving, don’t drink.”

The police prosecutor said police received a phone call concerning four youths hooning around Leslie Dam about 7am on January 6.

“When police arrived, the youth was visibly under the influence of alcohol and admitted to having shots of rum,” the prosecutor said. “He was nominated as the driver. The group had been fishing at Leslie Dam.”

The court heard the 15-year-old was breathalysed at the dam and taken to Warwick Police Station where he blew a positive reading of 0.096.

“Driving under the influence can and does result in people dying – particularly in this area,” Magistrate Thacker said. “I’m not only the magistrate but also the coroner here – I read about these things first.

“I don’t want to see young people dying. You were responsible for other lives where you were driving.”

The youth was ordered to attend a juvenile conference to understand the seriousness of driving while intoxicated.