Bunbury man Luke Peter Brearley slammed by magistrate for drink-driving crash that injured pregnant partner

A magistrate has slammed a Bunbury man for putting himself and his pregnant girlfriend in a position that could have been a “catastrophe” after he crashed into a power pole while driving drunk. Police prosecutor Sgt Karl Rep told Bunbury Magistrate’s Court Luke Peter Brearley was driving with his girlfriend in Bunbury in April at about 2.10am when he lost control at a roundabout before sliding across the median strip and crashing into a power pole. A passing driver took the pair to hospital, where Brearley’s partner was treated for bruising to the face and ribs and it was revealed she was pregnant. Police said a blood analysis test showed Brearley had a blood alcohol count of 0.098 and cannabis in his system. Defence lawyer Derek Hunter said the 27-year-old did not drink often, but the pair had been at a birthday party that night and had caught a taxi home. They later woke up and had an argument. Brearley was driving his partner home when the crash occurred. “They’re both fortunate to have no serious injuries,” Mr Hunter said. “He’s very remorseful … he’s taken relevant steps to ensure it won’t happen again.” Sgt Rep said it was a serious case of driving and there needed to be a deterrent message sent. “They’re lucky they’re here,” he said. Magistrate Tanya Watt said the situation could have been worse for the young man about to be a father. “You were so very, very fortunate on that day not only something wasn’t a catastrophe for you or her but also for other road users,” Ms Watt said. “There are far too many tragedies on WA roads.” Brearley was sentenced to a 10-month community-based order, disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined $850 plus told to pay a $978 analysis fee.