Rosedale farmer sentenced over quad bike crash
AN INTOXICATED Rosedale farmer who crashed a quad bike carrying four young children has avoided a stay in jail.
Michael Francis Smith pleaded guilty in Bundaberg Magistrates Court today to one charge of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and failing to provide a blood sample.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Barry Stevens said Smith had taken the four children - aged four, five, seven and eight - on a joyride around his property after drinking about six stubbies of alcoholic cider on April 15.
"On the return journey, the quad bike has rolled and he and the children sustained injuries," he said.
Sgt Stevens said the children had not been wearing helmets or other safety gear.
"A quad bike is designed for a single rider," he said.
Sgt Stevens said Smith blew 0.222% in the ambulance, but failed to give police a second reading at the hospital.
"The defendant questioned the need for a further test, stating he was on private property riding the quad bike," he said.
Magistrate Zac Sarra said he was concerned the children's parents had allowed their children on the bike, knowing the driver had been drinking.
"I'm more concerned about the idea he thinks it's okay to drink copious amounts of alcohol and invite children to ride on a very dangerous machine," he said.
Mr Sarra sentenced Smith to six months imprisonment, wholly suspended for 12 months.
Smith was also disqualified from driving for six months.
