MOUNT Isa Mayor John Molony refused to comment on whether he would resign after he was handed a $2000 fine and disqualified from driving for four months in the Mount Isa Magistrates Court today.

Waiting media outside the court asked Councillor Molony if he would resign or contest the next local government election in March.

He declined to comment.

The court heard today that on December 31, 2011, Councillor Molony had consumed a half-bottle of red wine with fried rice for dinner, 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 Councillor Molony about 9.45pm.

Police noted the defendant “smelt of liquor, had bloodshot eyes and his face was flushed”.

The court was told Councillor Molony returned a blood-alcohol reading of 0.111g.

Representing Councillor Molony was solicitor Mr Anderson Telford who requested Magistrate Rod Madsen to record a “no conviction’ because of the 69-year-old Mayor’s previous good driving history and the lack of any criminal conviction.

He said Councillor 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 Cr Molony “does not get preferential treatment because you are the Mayor”.

Magistrate Madsen said he “had a strong view on drink-driving offences”.

Councillor Molony pleaded guilty, and no conviction was recorded.

http://www.northweststar.com.au/news/local/news/general/mayor-pleads-guilty-to-drinkdriving-fined-banned/2421177.aspx