South West drunk driver told to “grow up” by Busselton court

A Perth hoon has been told to grow up after his “horrifying behaviour” speeding down Bussell Highway while almost three times the legal blood alcohol limit. Craig Keith Shaw, 31, was travelling to Busselton last month to visit friends when police stopped him driving 161km/h in his Ford Mustang. Police impounded his car immediately after it was discovered he had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.129. Shaw pleaded guilty at Busselton Magistrates Court this week to charges of reckless driving and exceeding 0.08, with very little explanation or remorse for his behaviour. Through his lawyer, Shaw told the court he had been trying to overtake a vehicle on his way to visit friends and had since been demoted at work because of his charges. Police prosecutor Sgt Darren Clifton told the court Shaw had a history of reckless driving, having been convicted of driving 53km/h over the speed limit in the past, and urged the court for a harsh penalty. “The facts speak for themselves, it’s absolutely horrifying behaviour,” he said. “He should thank God he’s here still alive, driving at that speed with that much alcohol in his system.” Magistrate Belinda Coleman echoed Sgt Clifton’s sentiments, momentarily considering imprisonment for Shaw’s lack of road safety. “You’re lucky you’re still standing here, you’re lucky you haven't killed anyone else either by your foolish behaviour,” Ms Coleman said. “You’re 31 years old, it’s about time you grew up.” Ultimately Ms Coleman opted to impose $2800 in fines and further costs for Shaw’s summons, and disqualified his license for 12 months.