BRIDGETOWN Police have issued a stern warning on cannabis use and drink-driving after a busy weekend on the beat.
On the evening of Friday May 1, an 18 year old Bridgetown man with a probationary licence was stopped driving on Hester St at 12.11am, after leaving the Freemasons Hotel.
A preliminary breath test was conducted, indicating that he had consumed alcohol. He was conveyed to the Bridgetown Police Station, where he underwent a breath test, where it is alleged that he drove with a blood alcohol content of 0.110g/100ml of blood.
He was served with an immediate licence disqualification and will be summoned to appear in the Bridgetown Magistrates Court on a charge of Excess 0.08g/100ml.
On the evening of Saturday May 2, an 18th Birthday Party was hosted at Sunnyside Reserve in the Bridgetown Shire, which attracted a crowd of 100 and 200 young people from surrounding areas, Bunbury and Perth.
Foot patrols of the reserve by Police detected a number of people in possession of cannabis and smoking implements. It is alleged a 17 year old male from Wundowie was found in possession of three smoking implements and a small quantity of cannabis. This person will be receiving a Cannabis Intervention Requirement notice, and is now required to attend a Cannabis Intervention Session. It is further alleged that an 18 year old associate of the male from Mahogany Creek was in possession of a substance believed to be synthetic cannabis and a smoking implement. Testing of the substance is required before charges can be laid.
A 17 year old probationary driver from Eaton was detected “cutting up” on the reserve, and was spoken to by Police and breath tested, which indicated he had consumed alcohol. A search of his vehicle also located a number of items of interest, including drugs, implements and alcohol. He was conveyed to the Bridgetown Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis test, and it is alleged at the time of driving he had a blood alcohol content of 0.038g/100ml. In relation to his driving he is charged with Reckless Driving and Excess 0.02g/100ml. As a result of the search of his vehicle it will be alleged that he was in possession of alcohol (being a juvenile), and in possession of drug paraphernalia (smoking implement) and cannabis. He will be required to surrender his vehicle and summoned to the Bridgetown Magistrates Court.
Another 17 year old male from College Grove was detected using cannabis in a stationary vehicle. A search located a quantity of cannabis and smoking implement, which it will be alleged that the male person was in possession of. He has also been issued a Cannabis Intervention Requirement, avoiding a court appearance or fine.
On the evening of Sunday May 3 at about 7.05pm Police attended an address on Telluride Street in relation to a woman revving the engine of her vehicle, who was believed to be intoxicated. It is alleged that upon Police arrival the woman was directed to exit the locked vehicle. However she refused, instead starting the vehicle and reversing towards a Police Officer and the stationary Police van. As result Police smashed the passenger window of the vehicle and called on the driver to stop. She failed to do so and drove recklessly along Telluride St, with a Police officer in chase, on foot.
At the intersection of Tourmaline Street she failed to negotiate a left hand turn and mounted a kerb, stalling the vehicle. While attempting to restart the vehicle the officer arrived and deployed pepper spray through the smashed window, rendering the driver incapable of starting the vehicle and driving off, so as to prevent further injury to any person or damage to property.
She was arrested and conveyed to the Bridgetown Police Station, where she underwent a breath analysis test, where it is alleged at the time of driving she had a blood alcohol content of 0.057g/100ml. In relation to the driving, a 26 year old Greenbushes woman has been bailed to appear on May 14 at the Bridgetown Magistrates Court on charges of Failing to Comply with Direction given by Police, Reckless Driving and Excess 0.05g/100ml.
“People continue to drink and drive despite strong enforcement by Bridgetown Police, which is very disappointing,” Bridgetown Officer in Charge Sergeant Daniel Fenton said.
“It puts not only the driver at risk, but also the safety of other innocent road users. We will continue to target high risk drivers, locations, and times, and if you get caught you, will only have yourself to blame.”
Sergeant Fenton also issued a warning on cannabis use.
“The recreational use of cannabis is still seemingly socially acceptable, and whilst being found in possession of small amounts for the first time doesn’t result in a criminal record, continued use can lead to mental health issues, impaired decision making, and conviction can result in refusal of visas to enter many overseas countries,” he said.
"I’m a bit tired of hearing `it’s just a bit of weed, it doesn’t hurt anyone.’ In relation to the two reckless driving charges preferred this weekend, which could have quite easily ended up in the death or serious injury of any person, cannabis use was believed to be involved. In combination with alcohol consumption, this saw very poor and dangerous decisions being made by drivers.
“Walk a mile in our shoes, and experience the negative effects of cannabis use first hand, and then see if your opinion changes.”