NT pilot James Matthew McCarthy pleads guilty to high-range drink driving in Byron Bay

A pilot was caught drink driving at more than three times the legal alcohol limit after “his designated driver met a girl”.

James Matthew McCarthy outside the court.

A pilot hopped behind the wheel at more than three times the legal alcohol limit after drinking at a Byron Bay pub because “his designated driver met a girl”, a court heard.

James Matthew McCarthy pleaded guilty at Byron Bay Local Court on Monday to high-range drink driving.

The Northern Territory pilot, of Anmatjere, was pulled over in a Toyota Landcruiser on Bangalow Rd for a random breath test on January 28, court documents state.

McCarthy was driving back from the Great Northern Hotel on Jonson St about 3am.

The 25-year-old told police he drank five schooners and his last drink was “about an hour ago at the Northern”.

James Matthew McCarthy outside the court.

Police officers noticed he was intoxicated and that his eyes were watery.

“As he exited the car his movements were unsteady and sluggish,” court documents state.

McCarthy was tested and returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.163.

He was arrested and taken to Byron Bay Police Station.

Defence lawyer Peter Dakin said McCarthy organised a designated driver on the night, but it did not work out.

“The designated driver met a girl and there was no longer space for McCarthy,” he said.

Mr Dakin said his client completed the traffic offenders program and was a well-regarded man.

Magistrate Kathy Crittenden convicted and fined McCarthy $900, disqualified his licence for six months and placed him on a 12-month alcohol interlock device order.