Drunk Aussie busted on motorised 'esky'

Snr Cnst Kelly Miles with a motorized esky that a man was alleged to have ridden in public whilst drunk. Photo: Alistair Brightman / Fraser Coast Chronicle

An Australian man allegedly caught riding a motorised esky found himself in hot water after blowing more than six times the alcohol limit.

The 38-year-old man from Scarness in Queensland was spotted by police who were conducting a Drink-Rite information night at the Torquay Hotel, allegedly riding the esky down the Charlton Esplanade bike path on Friday afternoon at 4.45pm.

He was breath-tested and returned an alleged reading of 0.305%.

Police raided the esky, which they said was carrying 10 tallies (bottles) of beer, two cask wine bags and up to six cans of Woodstock bourbon.

The man has been issued with a notice to face the Hervey Bay Magistrates Court for offences including driving while under the influence of liquor, driving while unlicensed and driving an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle.

Officer In Charge Sergeant Darryn Morris said while the case was unusual, it was no less serious.

"Due to the fact it is a petrol engine (the esky) falls under the ambit of a motor vehicle under the Traffic Act," Sgt Morris said.

"Some people aren't aware that if they're riding a wheeled object, the footpath is also deemed a road under Queensland legislation."

"It is a serious issue due to one, the amount of alcohol he had on him at the time and two, in relation to those using these motorised devices that can cause serious injury to themselves or other people."

What the esky contained:
• 10 tallies of beer
• Two bags of cask wine
• Up to six cans of bourbon