Man convicted of his fifth drink driving charge told he needs to change his ways
The man told police he went out drinking for the first time after coronavirus restrictions were lifted.
North
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A man convicted for drink driving for the fifth time has told a court he was out having drinks after the coronavirus lockdown.
Nigel Maurice George Downing pleaded guilty at Pine Rivers Magistrates Court to driving over the middle alcohol limit.
At about 6pm on Saturday, May 9 police pulled over Downing and he blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.084.
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Downing told police he had been drinking wine at a nearby shopping centre as it was the first time he had been able to get out after the coronavirus restrictions were lifted.
The court heard this was the fifth time Downing had been convicted of drink driving.
Magistrate Trevor Morgan said while many people were convicted of the offence most people learnt their lesson and never drunk drove again.
“While these aren’t the highest readings, something isn’t working for you,” he said.
“You need to think if you are going to drink then just don’t drive. Or if you are going to drive then do not drink.”
Downing told the court he was expecting to lose his job imminently due to the economic downturn.
Downing was fined $500 and disqualified from driving for two months.