Business owner Michael John Sivewright pleads guilty to high-range drink driving after being pulled over in South Lismore

The owner of a Lismore landscaping supplies business has been slammed by a magistrate after being busted high-range drink driving. Here’s how he landed in court.

Michael John Sivewright, who owns S&L Sand and Gravel, faced Lismore Local Court.

The owner of a South Lismore landscaping supplies business blew more than four times the legal limit when he drove to get cigarettes following a 13-hour drinking session.

Michael John Sivewright, 41, faced Lismore Local Court on Wednesday pleading guilty to high-range drink driving on January 28.

Police stopped Sivewright in his Toyota Landcruiser for a random breath test on Elliot Rd, South Lismore, according to court documents.

He recorded a reading of 0.219 and was taken to Lismore Police Station.

Sivewright was stopped for a random breath test.

Sivewright told police he consumed an unknown number of beers and rum at his Blakebrook home without eating lunch during a drinking session of more than 13 hours.

Sivewright, who owns S&L Sand and Gravel, told police: “I was just going to get a packet of cigarettes.”

Defence lawyer Vince Boss told the court Sivewright had alcohol issues he needed to address, but would be a suitable candidate for counselling and community service.

“He is well thought of in the community,” Mr Boss said.

“There was no aggravating features about his driving.

“We’re asking the court to consider a non-custodial sentence as he sees the seriousness of the offence and his partner is very supportive of him to get the help he needs so he won’t reoffend.”

Mr Dakin referred to reports handed to the court and asked what Sivewright was doing to address his drinking.

“How often has he been seeking professional assistance?” he said.

Sivewright pleaded guilty to high-range drink driving.

The court was told Sivewright was cutting down on his use of alcohol, but Mr Dakin was critical and said he believed there was a high risk of reoffending.

“He seems flippant about this offence,” Mr Dakin said.

“(Sivewright recorded a) very high blood alcohol content and said he’d only cut down to three nights drinking a week.

“At the moment a custodial sentence is appropriate.”

But Mr Dakin adjourned the case June 21 to allow Sivewright to “get the professional help he needs”.

“If he doesn’t do anything about it I’ll give him something to do next time,” Mr Dakin warned.