Leading barrister and rugby league commissioner Alan Sullivan KC apologises for drink driving

One of the nation’s leading barristers and a member of the Australian Rugby League Commission has apologised over a drink driving incident after he left the opening of Allianz Stadium.

One of the nation’s leading barristers and a member of the Australian Rugby League Commission has apologised over a drink driving incident he regrets “very much”.

Alan Sullivan KC, was leaving the opening of Allianz Stadium last August when he was caught drink driving and charged with mid-range PCA – before pleading guilty in the Downing Centre Local Court last September.

In addition to a conviction and a $525 fine, Mr Sullivan was also disqualified for three months and ordered to have an interlock device placed on his car for a year.

Speaking about it for the first time on Wednesday, the highly respected legal expert told The Daily Telegraph his decision to get behind the wheel was made in an effort to get his adult daughter home, because she was feeling unwell.

Alan Sullivan KC, was last year convicted after being caught drink driving while leaving the opening of Allianz Stadium. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

“I was at the (Sydney) Football Stadium for the beginning of the opening of the new football stadium, I had a few drinks and had my daughter with me,” Mr Sullivan said.

“I was going to leave my car, but my daughter was ill. I ordered three Ubers but they didn’t arrive, I later found out it was because Driver Ave was closed.

“She was sick so I wanted to get her home.”

Mr Sullivan said he ‘very much so’ regrets the incident after the Allianz Stadium opening. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Sullivan said almost as soon as he drove out of the car park he encountered police carrying out breath tests.

“I literally went about five feet,” he said.

When asked if he regrets the incident he said: “Very much so”.

“But it is the first time ever in over 50 years of driving that’s ever happened,” Mr Sullivan said.

Mr Sullivan’s matter was heard before the Downing Centre Local Court last September. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

“I think the message (I want to share) is what I learnt from everyone – you should never drink or drive.

“In hindsight I should have tried to contact an Uber again or walk up to Moore Park Rd. It has never happened before, and will never happen again.”

Mr Sullivan said he had previously informed the ARL Commission about the incident.

He joined the ARL Commission last February, having already been on the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and a previous Chairman of the New South Wales and Australian Rugby League Judiciary.