Lismore drink driver Marty Carter Wheatley in court after being rescued in Cyclone Alfred floodwaters

They say if it’s flooded, forget it. But it didn’t stop this drink driver who thought it would be a smart idea to cruise through flood waters during Cyclone Alfred, prompting a full-on rescue.

Marty Carter Wheatley has pleaded guilty to mid range drink driving after driving through floodwaters near Lismore on March 10. Picture: Facebook

They say if it’s flooded, forget it. But it didn’t stop this drink driver who thought it would be a smart idea to cruise through flood waters near Lismore during Cyclone Alfred, prompting a full-on rescue.

Marty Carter Wheatley appeared before Magistrate Michael Dakin in Lismore Local Court on Wednesday.

The Lismore local sat before the court in a smart business suit after having a crack at media outside by telling them to “f--k off”.

Defence for Wheatley entered a plea of guilty to mid-range drink driving and requested an adjournment so he could complete a traffic offenders intervention program before sentencing.

Marty Carter Wheatley, 55, attempted to cross a flooded section of Caniaba Rd, in Loftville, in a four-wheel drive about 9.15am on Monday, March 10 when his four-wheel drive got stuck. He was charged with mid-range drink driving and police suspended his licence.

On Monday, March 10 at 9.15am – during Cyclone Alfred – the 55-year-old attempted to cross a flooded culvert on Caniaba Rd, in Loftville, adjacent to the Lismore Airport in a four-wheel drive.

He was rescued after some hours by the State Emergency Service and Police rescue crews before he was breath-tested.

Wheatley was taken to Casino Police Station after he returned a positive result and charged with mid-range drink driving. There, police said he blew 0.086.

Wheatley is due to be sentenced before the same court on April 9.

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