Former The Amity Affliction member Ahren Stringer told a Victorian court that working as an undertaker alongside Queensland Police had changed how he viewed some of the reckless decisions from earlier in his life.
Ahren Stringer says working as an undertaker alongside Queensland Police has fundamentally changed how he views some of the reckless decisions from earlier in his life.
The former Amity Affliction bassist and vocalist appeared before Benalla Magistrates’ Court on May 26, where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and refusal charges stemming from a high-speed incident on Victoria’s Hume Freeway.
Blunt attended the hearing.
Court proceedings heard Stringer was detected travelling at 191 km/h in a 100 km/h zone near Benalla. Prosecutors told the court police observed Stringer accelerating heavily in the right-hand lane between exits on the Hume Freeway before intercepting him shortly afterwards.
The court heard the speed was considered dangerous due to surrounding traffic conditions, reduced reaction time and the potential risk posed to nearby motorists in the event of sudden braking, evasive action, wildlife on the roadway or mechanical failure.
Stringer pleaded guilty to:
- Drive at a speed dangerous
- Refuse preliminary breath test
- Refuse to undergo preliminary oral fluid test
Two additional charges — exceeding the speed limit by 45 km/h or more and using a vehicle not in a safe or roadworthy condition — were withdrawn during proceedings after prosecutors told the court the speeding allegation was an alternative to the more serious dangerous driving charge that proceeded.
The prosecution summary stated Stringer repeatedly refused both preliminary breath and oral fluid testing after being intercepted by police, despite being informed of the consequences. Court audio captured police alleging Stringer repeatedly stated he had “the right to refuse”.
During the hearing, Stringer said he had been travelling to Melbourne after his sister received a possible cancer diagnosis.
The court also heard how dramatically Stringer’s life has changed since his departure from The Amity Affliction in early 2025.
Defence submissions revealed Stringer is currently working as an undertaker alongside Queensland Police while continuing to pursue music projects following his split from the band. The court heard the role had significantly altered how he viewed his past behaviour and consequences.
The hearing was told Stringer had experienced significant upheaval over the past 18 months, including health issues, back injuries, family responsibilities and the breakdown of his relationship with the band he spent two decades helping build.
Earlier reporting by Blunt Magazine, based on sources close to Stringer, stated no drink driving charge had been laid and that Stringer had sought a blood test rather than completing a roadside breath test. Court proceedings later confirmed the matter instead proceeded as refusal charges relating to both alcohol and drug testing.
Magistrate comments during sentencing acknowledged the seriousness of the driving conduct while also taking into account Stringer’s guilty plea, work history, references and personal circumstances.
No conviction was recorded. Stringer was fined $1,200 and had his licence cancelled and disqualified.
The court matter may now be finalised, but the hearing offered a rare glimpse into how dramatically Stringer’s life has changed since stepping away from The Amity Affliction — from international touring and festival stages to working around death, consequence and reflection far removed from the life that once defined him.
For a musician who spent two decades inside one of Australia’s biggest heavy bands, the hearing ultimately felt less like the end of a court case and more like a snapshot of what happens after the noise stops.
Watch: Ahren Stringer’s Cover of Alice In Chains’ ‘Nutshell’
FAQ
What charges did Ahren Stringer plead guilty to?
Stringer pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, refusing a preliminary breath test and refusing a preliminary oral fluid test.
What speed was Ahren Stringer allegedly travelling?
Prosecutors told the court Stringer was detected travelling at 191 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the Hume Freeway near Benalla.
Did Ahren Stringer receive a conviction?
No. The court did not record a conviction during sentencing.
Reporting Note
Blunt attended the hearing at Benalla Magistrates’ Court on May 26. This story is based on court proceedings, court audio recordings, reporter notes and previously confirmed court records.
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