Councillor charged

A Baw Baw Shire councillor has announced he will take a leave of absence after being charged with a number of traffic offences, including reckless conduct endangering life.

Ben Lucas, 34, had his driver’s licence immediately suspended on Saturday after allegedly speeding and recording a blood alcohol level almost four times the legal limit.

Dandenong Frontline Tactical Unit (FTU) officers charged Mr Lucas, 34, after he allegedly sped at 150km/hour at Koo wee rup in the early hours of Saturday morning.

In a statement released this afternoon, Mr Lucas said he had been involved in an alleged incident that he “must take some time to address and personally seek some help and support for.”

“It is with this, and with a heavy heart that I must announce that I will be taking a leave of absence from my duties as a councillor, whilst I seek this further help and support.

“Whilst I am not in a position to comment further on the specifics, I understand that this will come as a shock and disappointment to many. Being open and transparent is a value that is important to me, and once I am in a position to provide more specific details, I will make a further statement,” Mr Lucas said.

Police allege they saw a black Mitsubishi Pajero travelling on the wrong side of the South Gippsland Hwy at 12.45am on Saturday, June 5.

Officers intercepted the driver a short time later near the Pakenham bypass.

Police said the driver underwent a preliminary breath test indicating alcohol in his breath and he accompanied police to a station for an evidentiary breath test where he returned an alleged reading of 0.193.

His licence was immediately suspended for 12 months.

Police later interviewed Mr Lucas and charged him with reckless conduct endangering life, speeding in a dangerous manner, manner dangerous and other traffic offences.

He has been bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on September 8.

His car was immediately impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1050.

Police said Mr Lucas also was found to be in breach of directions issued by the chief health officer and is expected to be issued with a penalty notice.

Speaking as Cr Lucas, he thanked community members who voted for him at last year’s election and supported his journey to be “a leader in the community.”

“Being a councillor and having the privilege to represent the community in which I live, have been one of my greatest achievements. It is an absolute honour, to be elected to the Baw Baw Shire Council,” he said.