AFP chief in Brisbane court on drink-driving charge

An acting deputy commissioner with the Australian Federal Police has pleaded guilty to low-range drink-driving and had his licence suspended for a month.

Stephen Joseph Dametto was charged with one count of driving over the general alcohol limit after he was pulled over in the Brisbane suburb of Hamilton about 9.30pm on July 25.

The Brisbane Magistrates Court heard on Friday that when police pulled Dametto over, he recorded a reading of 0.056 per cent.

The court also heard he had no previous criminal or traffic history.

Dametto, representing himself, pleaded guilty and spoke of his immediate remorse after the incident.

He asked that a conviction not be recorded, citing the potentially severe professional and personal consequences of having one.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Dametto has been in the AFP for 20 years, serving in Counter Terrorism for two years and as the assistant commissioner (eastern command) for two years.

He has been involved in multiple investigations, including significant money-laundering busts and combatting child exploitation.

Dametto was also in parliament when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the bravery of constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, and neighbour Alan Dare, who were killed during the Wieambilla shootings.

Dametto was given a $350 fine, with no conviction recorded, and his licence was disqualified for a month.

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