Tony Pritchard in Gladstone court for driving blunder

A man who previously worked for the Australian Defence Force got behind the wheel after drinking and watching State of Origin footy and it ended badly.

Tony James Pritchard, 54, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis and obstructing police. Generic image.

An ex-army man who made a blue by getting behind the wheel after drinking and watching State of Origin footy, has faced court.

Tony James Pritchard, 54, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis and obstructing police.

The court heard that at 11.10pm on June 18, police intercepted Pritchard driving on Off Lane at Gladstone.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Pepi Gangemi said Pritchard went over (the BAC limit) on a roadside breath test and he was detained and taken to Gladstone Police Station.

Sergeant Gangemi said video footage showed that Pritchard seemed intoxicated and had issues with his balance and walking.

“Ultimately he failed to provide a specimen of breath,” the prosecutor said.

The court heard Pritchard had a three-page traffic history and no drink-driving offences in the past five years.

Solicitor Jun Pepito said on the night of the incident, Pritchard, who previously worked for the Australian Defence Force before suffering an injury, had been watching State of Origin rugby league and drinking before he got in the car and drove.

Magistrate Mary Buchanan fined Pritchard $1000 and disqualified him from driving for six months.

Convictions were recorded.