Disqualified driver caught drink driving with his unrestrained child in the vehicle

ACT Policing arrested a 29-year-old Downer man for drink driving in Dickson yesterday (Wednesday, 28 September).

About 3.00pm, police received multiple calls in relation to an intoxicated male attempting to drive his vehicle near the Dickson Shopping Centre, while his child was unrestrained in the front passenger seat.

The man was confronted by members of the public, and he was stopped from driving. On exiting the vehicle, the man has become aggressive with members of the public and has attempted to leave the area with his child.

On police arrival, police subjected the man to a screening test, returning a positive indication to alcohol. The man was identified as a disqualified driver, and therefore subject to a blood alcohol limit of 0.00.

The man was transported to City Police Station where he underwent breath analysis, returning a result of 0.224. The man was arrested and conveyed to ACT Watch House. Police cared for the child until collected by a relative.

The 29-year-old man has been charged with driving while disqualified, drink driving and having an unrestrained child in the vehicle. He will face the ACT Magistrates Court this morning.

Station Sergeant Jeff Knight said that although police wouldn’t recommend that members of the public put themselves at risk, their actions ensured the safety of this child.

“ACT Policing would like to thank those members of the public who contacted police and also those who intervened. With information from the public, police resources can be immediately directed to intervene and ensure the safety of the community.”