Wellington Point man Christopher Andrew Watson, 45, drives while nearly three-and-a-half times over

Despite “bloodshot eyes”, a “strong smell of liquor” and wobbly gait, a bayside drink driver nearly three-and-half times over blamed his missing teeth on slurred speech.

A man who refused a roadside breath test because “he was scared of COVID” and claimed he was slurring his words due to missing front teeth, has copped a heavy fine for driving while nearly three-and-a-half times the legal limit.

Supported by his brother at Cleveland Magistrates Court on March 9, Wellington Point man Christopher Andrew Watson, 45, pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of liquor (DUI) and failing to provide a specimen as required of breath for breath test or saliva for saliva test.

The court heard Watson was intercepted by police on Oceanic Street at around 7.10pm on February 7 after leaving Hogan’s Wellington Point Hotel, refused a breath test and provided a curious explanation for slurring his words.

Christopher Watson, front left with glasses, leaves Cleveland Magistrates Court with supporters after pleading guilty to high-range drink driving. Picture: Marcel Baum

“There was a very strong smell of liquor coming from him, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech,” a police prosecutor said.

“He told police that was because of some front teeth being missing, and while that is the case, he was slurring (for reasons) beyond the missing teeth and it certainly matched the signs of intoxication he was displaying through his gait.”

The court was told when a test was finally conducted Watson would show a confirmed blood-alcohol reading of 0.167 per cent.

According to defence solicitor Sarah Pascoe her client had gone through a “terrible year” and last appeared before a court 10 years prior.

“He is incredibly embarrassed and remorseful over what happened and has apologised to the police,” Ms Pascoe said.

“Losing his job, splitting up with his partner and injuring his back saw him return to alcoholism.”

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The court heard Watson had since sought assistance from a counsellor and psychiatrist and was commended for his efforts at rehabilitation by Magistrate Deborah Vasta.

The exchange prompted Watson to tell the court that he had been two weeks sober.

The defendant was fined $1,500 and disqualified from driving for six months with a conviction recorded.