A DECORATED Gold Coast police officer has pleaded guilty to drink driving but has escaped a conviction that could have cost him his job.
Magistrate Terry Duroux fined Senior Constable Michael Froggatt $400 and disqualified him from driving for four months for blowing a a blood alcohol reading of . 085 on Sunday.
The magistrate exercised his discretion in not recording a conviction, noting the 34-year-old, who is currently stood down from active policing, still faced a police disciplinary hearing which result in a loss of rank and income.
“I’m satisfied that any conviction would impact on your social and financial wellbeing,” he said.
Froggatt was pulled over in Surfers Paradise about 5am on July 10 after working a nightshift.
Last year, Froggatt was awarded the honour of Rotary Gold Coast Police Officer of the Year.
In an apology letter tendered in court Froggatt said he had brought dishonour to his himself, his family and fellow officers and wished to cause “no further disrespect to the Queensland Police Service”.
Lawyer Bill Potts said his client was deeply remorseful and hoped his case would serve as a lesson for others.
Resource: http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/07/13/332275_crime-and-court-news.html
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