resign after he was handed a $2000 fine and disqualified from driving
for four months today.
The Mount Isa Magistrates Court heard that on December 31, 2011, Cr
Molony had consumed a half-bottle of red wine with fried rice for
dinner.
He then drove to the Mount Isa lookout with his wife Heather.
They then went to the Overlander Hotel where he admitted consuming
another half bottle of wine and three Pure Blonde beers before driving
home.
Police at a static random breath-testing site in Marian Street stopped
Cr Molony about 9.45pm.
Police noted the defendant "smelt of liquor, had bloodshot eyes and
his face was flushed".
The court was told Cr Molony recorded a reading of 0.111 - about
double the legal limit.
Representing Cr Molony, solicitor Anderson Telford requested
Magistrate Rod Madsen to record a "no conviction" because of the
61-year-old mayor's previous good driving history and the lack of any
criminal conviction.
He said Cr Molony had "suffered political and personal embarrassment
because of the media" since his arrest, and requested the magistrate
take into account the mayor's "general good character; a man of good
standing, leadership and integrity".
Magistrate Madsen agreed, saying "too much had been said by too many people".
"But you will be sentenced for what you have done, not who you are," he said.
He said Cr Molony "does not get preferential treatment because you are
the mayor".
Magistrate Madsen said he "had a strong view on drink-driving
offences" before imposing a $2000 fine and disqualifying the mayor
from driving for four months.
Cr Molony had pleaded guilty and no conviction was recorded.
Waiting media outside the court asked Cr Molony if he would resign or
contest the next local government election in March.
He declined to comment.
Cr Molony shot to national prominence in 2008 when he caused a minor
storm over his suggestion "beauty-disadvantaged women... (should)
proceed to Mount Isa", where men outnumber women five-to-one.
- The North West Star
