Latest news with #Renouf
Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘You've got me': Former Bronco pleads guilty to drink-driving
Former Bronco Steve Renouf has pleaded guilty to driving almost four times the legal limit, with a court hearing he told roadside police: 'You've got me, I'm drunk.' Renouf, 55, was pulled over by police in a white Kia on Windsor Road, Red Hill, about 10.45pm on July 1. Police alleged he failed a random roadside breath test, and that a second test returned a reading of 0.197, almost four times the legal limit. Police prosecutor Kiara D'Odorico told the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday that Renouf was pulled over by police for a licence check and breath test, and admitted to them he was drunk. Officers reported Renouf was unsteady on his feet, slurring his words, and dropped items on the ground while trying to retrieve his licence, D'Odorico said. He was detained for the purpose of the second test, but Renouf responded, 'No, no, no,' and tried to walk away, the court heard. He was handcuffed and taken to the watchhouse. Lawyer Angelo Venardos told the court Renouf had been out drinking with friends in Paddington earlier in the day. He then made the 'foolish decision' to drive home. At the time the former footballer, who has type-1 diabetes, was going through a hypoglycemic episode.
The Advertiser
7 days ago
- The Advertiser
'You've got me': NRL great busted for drink driving
NRL great Steve Renouf told police "you've got me, I'm drunk" after being caught driving almost four times over the blood alcohol limit, a court has heard. The Brisbane Broncos legend has apologised over the incident after being fined and having his licence disqualified on Wednesday, earlier tabling a character reference from his former coach Wayne Bennett. The 55-year-old returned a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.197 after being pulled over for a late night roadside breath test in the Brisbane suburb of Red Hill on July 1, the court heard. Renouf was the vehicle's sole occupant, turning off the car and exiting before being asked by police to sit back down, police prosecutor Kiara D'Odorico said. The prosecutor said Renouf then told officers: "You've got me, I'm drunk." The former Queensland flyer was unsteady on his feet, slurring his words and dropped several items on the ground while trying to get his license, Ms D'Odorico said. Renouf said "no, no, no" and attempted to walk away after being told he would be detained and subject to further testing. He was handcuffed and taken to a watchhouse for further tests, Brisbane Magistrates Court heard. Defence counsel Angelo Vernados said Renouf had no recollection of the incident after being at a nearby Paddington venue with friends. "He left the establishment and clearly made the foolish decision of getting into the car," Mr Vernados told the court. The court heard Renouf suffered a hypoglycaemic episode at the watchhouse as a result of low blood-sugar. Police gave him jelly beans and made a call to Renouf's partner, who provided instructions on how to manage him. Mr Vernados said Renouf had deep remorse, embarrassment and serious reflections about his actions, tabling the character reference from legendary NRL coach Bennett. "Under no circumstances is this gentlemen seeking special consideration from the court today," he told the court. "He's a man of great integrity and been open and honest about the circumstances." Renouf said he was extremely remorseful for his actions. "I am a role model. I have been a role model in the community for a long time," he told reporters outside court. "It deeply hurts me and I apologise if I've upset anyone that's looked up to me." Magistrate Judith Daley weighed up the impact a conviction could have on Renouf's travel internationally for work and said to his credit, he had no similar traffic offences. Renouf was fined $1200 and disqualified from driving for 11 months after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of liquor. No conviction was recorded. Renouf played 183 games and scored 142 tries for NRL club Brisbane, claiming four premierships including the Broncos' maiden title in 1992. His stellar career also featured Queensland State of Origin and Test honours along with Indigenous Team of the Century selection in 2008. NRL great Steve Renouf told police "you've got me, I'm drunk" after being caught driving almost four times over the blood alcohol limit, a court has heard. The Brisbane Broncos legend has apologised over the incident after being fined and having his licence disqualified on Wednesday, earlier tabling a character reference from his former coach Wayne Bennett. The 55-year-old returned a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.197 after being pulled over for a late night roadside breath test in the Brisbane suburb of Red Hill on July 1, the court heard. Renouf was the vehicle's sole occupant, turning off the car and exiting before being asked by police to sit back down, police prosecutor Kiara D'Odorico said. The prosecutor said Renouf then told officers: "You've got me, I'm drunk." The former Queensland flyer was unsteady on his feet, slurring his words and dropped several items on the ground while trying to get his license, Ms D'Odorico said. Renouf said "no, no, no" and attempted to walk away after being told he would be detained and subject to further testing. He was handcuffed and taken to a watchhouse for further tests, Brisbane Magistrates Court heard. Defence counsel Angelo Vernados said Renouf had no recollection of the incident after being at a nearby Paddington venue with friends. "He left the establishment and clearly made the foolish decision of getting into the car," Mr Vernados told the court. The court heard Renouf suffered a hypoglycaemic episode at the watchhouse as a result of low blood-sugar. Police gave him jelly beans and made a call to Renouf's partner, who provided instructions on how to manage him. Mr Vernados said Renouf had deep remorse, embarrassment and serious reflections about his actions, tabling the character reference from legendary NRL coach Bennett. "Under no circumstances is this gentlemen seeking special consideration from the court today," he told the court. "He's a man of great integrity and been open and honest about the circumstances." Renouf said he was extremely remorseful for his actions. "I am a role model. I have been a role model in the community for a long time," he told reporters outside court. "It deeply hurts me and I apologise if I've upset anyone that's looked up to me." Magistrate Judith Daley weighed up the impact a conviction could have on Renouf's travel internationally for work and said to his credit, he had no similar traffic offences. Renouf was fined $1200 and disqualified from driving for 11 months after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of liquor. No conviction was recorded. Renouf played 183 games and scored 142 tries for NRL club Brisbane, claiming four premierships including the Broncos' maiden title in 1992. His stellar career also featured Queensland State of Origin and Test honours along with Indigenous Team of the Century selection in 2008. NRL great Steve Renouf told police "you've got me, I'm drunk" after being caught driving almost four times over the blood alcohol limit, a court has heard. The Brisbane Broncos legend has apologised over the incident after being fined and having his licence disqualified on Wednesday, earlier tabling a character reference from his former coach Wayne Bennett. The 55-year-old returned a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.197 after being pulled over for a late night roadside breath test in the Brisbane suburb of Red Hill on July 1, the court heard. Renouf was the vehicle's sole occupant, turning off the car and exiting before being asked by police to sit back down, police prosecutor Kiara D'Odorico said. The prosecutor said Renouf then told officers: "You've got me, I'm drunk." The former Queensland flyer was unsteady on his feet, slurring his words and dropped several items on the ground while trying to get his license, Ms D'Odorico said. Renouf said "no, no, no" and attempted to walk away after being told he would be detained and subject to further testing. He was handcuffed and taken to a watchhouse for further tests, Brisbane Magistrates Court heard. Defence counsel Angelo Vernados said Renouf had no recollection of the incident after being at a nearby Paddington venue with friends. "He left the establishment and clearly made the foolish decision of getting into the car," Mr Vernados told the court. The court heard Renouf suffered a hypoglycaemic episode at the watchhouse as a result of low blood-sugar. Police gave him jelly beans and made a call to Renouf's partner, who provided instructions on how to manage him. Mr Vernados said Renouf had deep remorse, embarrassment and serious reflections about his actions, tabling the character reference from legendary NRL coach Bennett. "Under no circumstances is this gentlemen seeking special consideration from the court today," he told the court. "He's a man of great integrity and been open and honest about the circumstances." Renouf said he was extremely remorseful for his actions. "I am a role model. I have been a role model in the community for a long time," he told reporters outside court. "It deeply hurts me and I apologise if I've upset anyone that's looked up to me." Magistrate Judith Daley weighed up the impact a conviction could have on Renouf's travel internationally for work and said to his credit, he had no similar traffic offences. Renouf was fined $1200 and disqualified from driving for 11 months after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of liquor. No conviction was recorded. Renouf played 183 games and scored 142 tries for NRL club Brisbane, claiming four premierships including the Broncos' maiden title in 1992. His stellar career also featured Queensland State of Origin and Test honours along with Indigenous Team of the Century selection in 2008.
7NEWS
7 days ago
- 7NEWS
Brisbane Broncos great Steve Renouf pleads guilty to drink driving
Brisbane Broncos great Steve Renouf has been fined $1200 and banned from driving for 11 months after pleading guilty to one count of drink driving. The 55-year-old was remorseful when he spoke to media outside the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, and also thanked the police at the scene who helped him when they realised he was having a medical episode. New details of the incident came to light in court on Wednesday, including the health scare on the night. When police recognised he was having a 'diabetic episode' or hypoglycaemic episode, they called his partner and then provided him with jelly beans and a drink back at the Brisbane City Watch House. 'I respect the decision of the magistrate … from my end it was a big mistake which won't be repeated,' Renouf said on Wednesday. 'It was one of those things that you fully regret. 'I apologise if I've upset anyone out there that has looked up to me.' He also had a special shout-out to the police who looked after him. 'I couldn't do what they do,' he said. The court heard that Renouf reeked of alcohol, was staggering, dropping things and slurring when he was busted at the start of July. 'You've got me, I'm drunk,' he said to the police before they breathalised him. He tried to walk away from them when he was told he needed another test, saying, 'No, no, no.' But he was not aggressive, the court heard. His blood alcohol reading was 0.197 per cent, nearly four times over the legal limit. His lawyer Angelo Venardos told the court Renouf had a 'foolish decision' when he chose to drive after a night out socialising at a venue in Paddington. 'He left the establishment and clearly made the foolish decision of getting into the car,' Vernardos said. Renouf had actually made it to his home when he was pulled over. 'He was trying to walk inside, he wasn't being aggressive with police,' Venardos said. 'He's ashamed and embarrassed. 'He's clearly owning what he's doing … he knows he's a role model. 'He's had an enormous impact on the community at large … particularly (in) the Indigenous community.' Vernardos called Renouf a man of 'great integrity' and said he had been doing some 'serious reflection' after the incident. The magistrate decided not to convict Renouf and recognised that he was co-operative. 'He actually advised them that he was drunk and they got him,' she said. 'He has very favourable references.' NRL coach Wayne Bennett was among the favourable character references. In deciding not to convict Renouf, the magistrate said 'a conviction may affect getting a visa in some places'. Renouf has never appeared in court before and has never lost his licence. He said he did not think he had a problem with alcohol but promised to seek professional help 'to see where I'm at'.
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Perth Now
'You've got me': NRL great busted for drink driving
NRL great Steve Renouf told police "you've got me, I'm drunk" after being caught driving almost four times over the blood alcohol limit, a court has heard. The Brisbane Broncos legend has apologised over the incident after being fined and having his licence disqualified on Wednesday, earlier tabling a character reference from his former coach Wayne Bennett. The 55-year-old returned a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.197 after being pulled over for a late night roadside breath test in the Brisbane suburb of Red Hill on July 1, the court heard. Renouf was the vehicle's sole occupant, turning off the car and exiting before being asked by police to sit back down, police prosecutor Kiara D'Odorico said. The prosecutor said Renouf then told officers: "You've got me, I'm drunk." The former Queensland flyer was unsteady on his feet, slurring his words and dropped several items on the ground while trying to get his license, Ms D'Odorico said. Renouf said "no, no, no" and attempted to walk away after being told he would be detained and subject to further testing. He was handcuffed and taken to a watchhouse for further tests, Brisbane Magistrates Court heard. Defence counsel Angelo Vernados said Renouf had no recollection of the incident after being at a nearby Paddington venue with friends. "He left the establishment and clearly made the foolish decision of getting into the car," Mr Vernados told the court. The court heard Renouf suffered a hypoglycaemic episode at the watchhouse as a result of low blood-sugar. Police gave him jelly beans and made a call to Renouf's partner, who provided instructions on how to manage him. Mr Vernados said Renouf had deep remorse, embarrassment and serious reflections about his actions, tabling the character reference from legendary NRL coach Bennett. "Under no circumstances is this gentlemen seeking special consideration from the court today," he told the court. "He's a man of great integrity and been open and honest about the circumstances." Renouf said he was extremely remorseful for his actions. "I am a role model. I have been a role model in the community for a long time," he told reporters outside court. "It deeply hurts me and I apologise if I've upset anyone that's looked up to me." Magistrate Judith Daley weighed up the impact a conviction could have on Renouf's travel internationally for work and said to his credit, he had no similar traffic offences. Renouf was fined $1200 and disqualified from driving for 11 months after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of liquor. No conviction was recorded. Renouf played 183 games and scored 142 tries for NRL club Brisbane, claiming four premierships including the Broncos' maiden title in 1992. His stellar career also featured Queensland State of Origin and Test honours along with Indigenous Team of the Century selection in 2008.
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Perth Now
‘You've got me': NRL great faces court
Brisbane Broncos great Steve Renouf was unsteady on his feet and slurring his words when he told police, 'You've got me,' a court was told as he pleaded guilty to high-range drink driving. The 55-year-old rugby league icon, who was surrounded by media outside the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, was charged after allegedly recording a blood alcohol concentration nearly four times the legal limit. Police prosecutor Kiara D'Odorico told the court that Renouf was intercepted during a routine licence check on Windsor Rd at Red Hill about 10.45pm on July 1 while driving a white Kia K4. Renouf, who scored 142 tries in 183 appearances for the Broncos, returned a positive roadside breath test. Steve Renouf has pleaded guilty to high-range drink-driving. NewsWire / Andrew Hedgman Credit: NewsWire Ms D'Odorico said police instructed him to remain in the vehicle but he exited and told officers, 'You've got me, I'm drunk.' He was described as unsteady on his feet, slurring his words, and dropping his personal belongings. He later returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.197 per cent. When informed he would need to accompany police to the station, Renouf said 'No, no, no' and attempted to walk away, prompting officers to place him in handcuffs, the court was told. He was then taken to the Brisbane City Watchhouse for further testing. Renouf's licence was immediately suspended and he was charged with one count of driving under the influence of liquor. During the hearing, Renouf's solicitor, Angelo Venardos, presented several character references, including one from his former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, and told the court the former Maroons star had no recollection of the night. Renouf was 'ashamed and embarrassed', his lawyer said. Picture, John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia Mr Venardos said Renouf had been socialising with friends before making the decision to drive despite usually relying on taxis or Ubers to get home. He said Renouf was pulled over outside his own residence and had been trying to walk back into his house when he got out of his car. The court was also told Renouf had a hypoglycaemic episode at the scene, prompting officers to provide jelly beans and call his partner for advice on how to manage his health. 'He's ashamed and embarrassed,' Mr Venardos said. 'He's clearly owning what he's doing … he knows he's a role model. 'He's had an enormous impact on the community … particularly (in) the Indigenous community.' It was the first time Renouf had appeared before a court, and the magistrate acknowledged his co-operation with police. 'He actually advised them that he was drunk and they got him,' she said. 'He has very favourable references.' He was fined $1200 and disqualified from driving for 11 months. Steve Pohlner Credit: News Corp Australia The court was told Renouf had never previously lost his licence and a recorded conviction could jeopardise his ability to travel internationally for work. 'A conviction may affect getting a visa in some places,' the magistrate said. Renouf was fined $1200 and disqualified from driving for 11 months. No conviction was recorded. After his court appearance, Renouf fronted the waiting media and spoke for more than five minutes, describing the experience as 'humbling' and said he accepted full responsibility for his actions. While he said he didn't believe he struggled with alcohol, he planned to see a doctor 'to see where I'm at' and get professional advice. He also took the opportunity to thank the Queensland Police Service for their kindness during the incident, particularly in helping him manage a diabetic episode. 'I couldn't do what they do,' he said.
