By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A drink-driver distracted by eating chicken crashed head-on into another car on Evans Road, Cranbourne West, a court heard.
Damian Gregory Brennan, 55, had veered across into oncoming traffic, causing extensive damage to both his car and a Mazda about 6.30pm on 23 June.
With a blood-alcohol reading of .07, the heavy-machinery mechanic told police he’d drunk three full-strength beers with mates at work.
The crash probably wouldn’t have happened if “I hadn’t looked down off the road to eat a piece of chicken”.
Defence lawyer Bernard Moore told Dandenong Magistrates’ Court that a “momentary distraction” cost Brennan $10,000 to pay for both cars’ repairs – his drink-driving voided any insurance claim.
Brennan, who was convicted for driving offences in 2003, was “incredibly worried” about losing his licence and hence his job, Mr Moore said.
The accused hadn’t drunk alcohol since the crash, the court was told.
Magistrate David Starvaggi said Brennan was legislatively required to spend a minimum of six months off the road.
“It’s a serious case of careless driving and drink-driving.
“Obviously this could have been far worse.”
Brennan was also fined, with conviction.
