Moss Vale Local Court: Matthew Vincent Milton, 36, sentenced for high range PCA

A Southern Highlands man has been sentenced for sex abuse charges, as well as high range drink-driving while on strict bail – with a reading five times over the legal limit.

A Southern Highlands man has been sentenced for sex abuse charges, as well as high range drink-driving while on strict bail – with a reading five times over the legal limit.

Matthew Vincent Milton, 36, appeared via audiovisual link at Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday, having previously pleaded guilty to driving with a high range PCA and two counts of sexual touching without consent.

Documents tendered to the court state on May 2, police were notified by a witness that the Balaclava local was driving erratically from Moss Vale Rd, Burradoo to the Bowral CBD, and called triple-0.

Matthew Vincent Milton, 36, was found by police on Bendooley Street, Bowral after driving in a concerning manner on Monday May 2. Picture: Google Maps

This was only half an hour after reporting to Southern Highlands Police Station in Moss Vale as part of his bail conditions, according to documents.

Facts state police found his car in an unusual position on Bendooley Street, Bowral – mounting the kerb in an area meant for motorcycle parking and almost hitting a signpost.

There he produced a reading of .266, admitting he’d consumed “three, four or five flasks” of white wine at Exeter – which the court previously heard was at his grandfather’s house.

He also said he was driving to see his drug and alcohol counsellor, according to the documents.

Police facts state that he posed a significant risk to himself and the community, where traffic between Moss Vale and Bowral is usually expected to be moderate to heavy at that time.

He was sentenced at Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday. Picture: Wesley Lonergan

Magistrate Mark Douglass said he was “not assisted by his history,” which the court heard included several drink driving offences dating back to 2004.

“He must understand drink-driving is dangerous and could lead to someone’s death or great injuries,” Magistrate Douglass said.

He also highlighted that the drink-driving occurred on strict bail for two counts of sexual touching – offences the magistrate said would’ve had a “dramatic impact on the victim.”

The crown submitted the sex abuse charges crossed the threshold, with custody being the only suitable outcome.

Magistrate Douglass acknowledged Milton’s “chronic alcohol abuse” and granted him special circumstances.

He was given 22 months’ jail backdated to May 2, with 11 months non parole.

Milton is to attend rehabilitation upon release and is disqualified from driving for nine months.

An AVO will also be put in place to protect the victim.