Doctor banned 16 months after driving at three times legal alcohol limit
An ER doctor in Warrnambool was stopped driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.16, more than three times the legal limit.
Daniel Bennett, 41, an emergency department doctor, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool Magistrates Court to drink driving and failing to keep left. Police stopped him at 1.19am on May 2 near the Koroit and Fairy streets roundabout, just 50 metres from the police station, after he was seen driving the wrong way around the roundabout.
Bennett's blood alcohol level was 0.16. The court heard Bennett had no prior court appearances.
His car was impounded, costing more than $1500 in towing and storage fees. He was placed on a good behaviour bond, ordered to pay $1600 to the court fund, and his driving licence was disqualified for 16 months.
- 41
- Age
- 0.16
- Blood alcohol level
- May 2, 2026 at 1.19am
- Incident date and time
- More than $1500
- Impound fees
Why it mattersA doctor driving at extreme intoxication risked serious harm to himself and anyone on the road, and the case underscores the danger of drink driving.
AustraliaThe conviction and heavy penalty send a clear message that impaired driving carries serious consequences, even for professional workers in safety-critical roles.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago
