Police briefs
LOCAL police have slammed drink drivers as selfish and arrogant as the courts continue to overflow with high blood alcohol readings.
Noosa Heads officer in charge Senior Sergeant Steve McReight said it was disappointing to see so many people still driving while drunk.
“It’s sad to see in this day and age, when there is so much education, people are still getting behind the wheel after drinking,” he said.
“It shows arrogance and selfishness towards other community members, who are put at risk by this behaviour.”
On Tuesday 19 people faced court charged with drink driving, including one man who pleaded guilty to driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.191 per cent.
The court heard the man was seen by police to be driving on the wrong side of the road on Hastings Street on 16 August this year.
Another man, 46, pleaded guilty to driving with a BAC of 0.186 per cent in Noosaville.
Sen Sgt McReight said it was up to the older members of the community to set an example for the younger people when it came to responsible drinking.
It is especially important to remain vigilant and responsible as the school holidays progress, Sen Sgt McReight said.
“To that end, and with the coming long weekend, we will be out in force on the roads to monitor the community’s safety,” he said.
Beach blitz
DESPITE numerous traffic blitzes on Noosa’s northern beaches, police are still fining people for an array of traffic offences.
Senior Sergeant Steve McReight said it was surprising people were still doing the wrong thing when driving on the beach despite the high police presence.
Last weekend, 14 fines were handed out to beach goers from Noosa North Shore to Teewah Beach for a list of offences including drink driving and driving without a licence.
The weekend before, 24 fines were issued for offences including six unregistered vehicles, four unlicensed drivers who will face court, and 18 speeding tickets were also issued.
Police said hooning at dusk was still an issue on the beach.
Sen Sgt McReight said the police would continue to blitz the beach throughout the school holidays and coming long weekend.
Driver faces court
The 63-year-old Noosa woman charged with crashing into two tourists on Noosa Parade earlier this year faced court on Tuesday.
Nola Barbara Burgess faced two charges; drink driving and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.
Police will allege the crash on 26 May at the Noosa Parade roundabout seriously injured two backpackers.
Police report one of the injured men was a German national who had one of his legs amputated as a result of his injuries. The other tourist received minor injuries.
Ms Burgess appeared before Noosa Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday in a wheelchair. It was not clear if Ms Burgess was is in a wheelchair as a result of her injuries from the crash.
The case was adjourned to 21 October.
