Cael Hickman ‘lucky to be alive’ after swerving off the road while three times legal limit

A P-plater has been told he’s “lucky to be alive” after he ended up in a ditch more than three times over the limit following a night at the pub.

Cael Hickman, 20, leaves Moss Vale Court on January 19, 2021. Picture: Adelaide Lang

A Southern Highlands farmhand is “lucky to be alive” after he was caught swerving all over the road after a night drinking Fireball at a local pub.

Cael Hickman, 20, faced Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday, where Magistrate Michael O’Brien ordered him off the road for six months, after police caught him driving erratically down a wet highway with a blood alcohol reading more than three times the legal limit.

“You’re lucky to be alive … the good thing for you and your family is that you’re here at all,” Magistrate O’Brien said.

“I’m sure you would not want your family to get that dreaded knock on the door from two police officers, nor would you want any other family to get that knock”.

The court heard Hickman came under the notice of police just before midnight on November 13, 2020, spotting him “swerving all over” Kangaloon Road, before losing control, spinning out and ending up in a ditch.

Hickman appeared at Moss Vale Local Court.

The P-plater returned a positive breath test on the spot and was taken to Southern Highlands Police Station where he returned a reading of 0.156 - despite the law ordering he not have any alcohol in his system while behind the wheel.

His licence was suspended immediately and he was charged with high-range drink driving, to which he pleaded guilty in court on Tuesday.

His defence lawyer told the court Hickman had been at the pub drinking Fireball, a cinnamon-flavoured whisky, when he’d “usually be drinking beer”.

“He fully understands that there is no excuse … there is much angst among the defendant for his handling of the matter,” he said.

“He’s learned from this, his prospects of rehabilitation are excellent.”

Magistrate O’Brien sentenced Hickman to a 12-month community corrections order, suspending his licence for six months and ordering he implement a mandatory interlock for two years. He also imposed a $500 fine.

“You have another opportunity given to you by good luck, not by good management, do not squander it,” Magistrate O’Brien said.