Craig Hocking pleads guilty at Ballina Local Court to high-range drink driving

A Northern Rivers father crashed causing the car to flip and land on its roof after getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Here’s what we know.

Craig Hocking outside Ballina Local Court

A Coraki father flipped a car causing it to land on its roof to avoid a head-on smash after getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

Craig Christopher Hocking pleaded guilty at Ballina Local Court to driving recklessly and with a high-range blood alcohol reading.

The 50-year-old was the sole occupant in a Subaru Impreza driving on Rifle Range Rd, Alstonville at 10pm on May 25, court documents state.

Hocking attempted to turn left and ran wide completely crossing into another line and “narrowly avoiding a head-on collision”.

“He left the roadway and collided heavily into the road railing,” police stated in court documents.

Hocking pleaded guilty to reckless driving and a high-range blood-alcohol reading

“The collision caused the car to flip and land on its roof.

“The incident left no evidence on the road to indicate skidding or loss of control.”

Hocking was able to get out of the car with the help of drivers passing by.

Emergency services were called and police stated Hocking smelt strongly of alcohol.

Rifle Range Rd, Alstonville. Picture: File

Hocking was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment of his injuries which turned out to be minor, police stated in court documents.

A blood sample taken from the hospital determined that his blood-alcohol reading was 0.194.

Defence lawyer Vincent James Boss said Hocking recognises the impact of his actions and is very regretful and remorseful.

“He has completed the traffic offenders program,” he said.

Magistrate Karen Stafford adjourned his case to October 5 for sentencing.