Driver flees accident
HAVING crashed his car into the front yard of a McFarlane St, South Grafton home, Tyler James Cooke, 22, decided to bolt home - just a few doors away and pretend that his car was stolen, Grafton Local Court heard on Monday.
Police said Cooke was driving west on Blanch Pde in wet conditions when he lost control of his car on a sweeping left-hand bend and ended up taking out a water meter on his way into the home's front yard.
A large amount of water covered the yard and neighbouring properties, police said.
Cooke fled the scene but police tracked him down at his McFarlane St address where he initially denied being involved in the crash and instead tried to report it stolen. Upon further questioning by police, Cooke admitted he was the driver. Police observed his breath smelt of alcohol, his speech slurred and his eyes watery.
Cooke was fined $800 and disqualified from driving for two years for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police facts tendered to the court did not mention a blood-alcohol reading.
Cooke has a previous drink-driving conviction on his record - in September 2009.
Driving on ice
A QUEENSLAND man who drove with methylamphetamine in his body was disqualified from driving for six months and fined $600 in Grafton Local Court on Monday.
