‘Promising’ Bangalow footballer found guilty of drink driving

The court heard the 20-year-old Bangalow man had previously played in the NEAFL league for the Gold Coast Suns but was caught by police veering between lanes of traffic.

Riley Eric Buckland, 20, pleaded guilty to High Range drink driving in Lismore Local Court on Tuesday, July 13.

A promising AFL footballer has been convicted after he was caught more than three times over the legal limit.

Riley Eric Buckland, 20, pleaded guilty to High Range drink driving in Lismore Local Court on Tuesday, July 13.

The court heard the Bangalow youth had been drinking with mates at the Bangalow Hotel on June 18 when he decided to get behind the wheel.

However, police officers soon stopped him, after they sighted Buckland veering between two lanes.

When breathalysed, Buckland returned a reading of 0.187.

The apprentice plumber appeared in court in the company of his mother, as his solicitor Edwina Lloyd shared several good characters references, including one from his Palm Beach Currumbin coach who said Buckland was a “positive and helpful young man with a promising football career”.

Ms Lloyd told the court Buckland was a strong Aussie rules player, who had been signed with the Gold Coast Suns but lost his NEAFL contract when the pandemic hit and the State League season was cancelled.

He was further set back after breaking his ankle during his first play of the 2021 season.

Magistrate Jeff Linden said Buckland was “well affected” above the zero limit he was entitled to.

However, he noted the 20-year-old had completed the traffic offenders' program and had his licence suspended since the incident.

He convicted Buckland and sentenced him to a community corrections order for 18 months.

Buckland was further disqualified for driving for six months, and must hold an interlock driver‘s licence for 24 months.