Terry Buckley on high range drink driving charge at Murwillumbah court

An elderly Northern NSW man was “very surprised” after he was caught drink driving three times over the limit. How it played out in court.

An elderly Northern NSW man baffled after finding himself three times over the limit told police he’d only drunk three stubbies all day.

Terry Buckley, 74, appeared before Murwillumbah Court on September 21, accused of driving with a high range PCA.

He told the court the incident took him by surprise.

Court documents state Buckley was driving on Yamba Road, Palmers Island, under the influence of alcohol with a reading of 0.179.

Police were travelling behind Buckley, observing him barely navigate a sharp bend on the road before swerving over the middle white line numerous times.

Terry Buckley, 74, was “very surprised” after he was caught drink driving three times over the limit.

Police activated their warning lights when Buckley turned on his window wipers and continued to drive, before he pulled over.

Buckley struggled to wind down his window when police approached the driver’s door, according to court documents.

Buckley told police, “Oh, I didn’t think I was driving that bad”, adding “I’ve never been in an accident, I’m a good driver”, police facts state.

The Palmers Island man was arrested and taken to Yamba Police Station, where his licence was suspended.

Buckley told Murwillumbah Court, “I’m sorry, of course - I’m very surprised about it”.

Magistrate Geoff Dunvley said Buckley’s drink driving was very concerning, and this was the type of matter where people are generally disqualified.

“You’ve expressed remorse, you’re unlikely to reoffend in the future,” Mr Dunlevy said.

Mr Dunlevy convicted Buckley, fined him $600 and issued a 12-month mandatory interlock order.