Gorokan: High-range drink-driver Jesse Kyle Jaunzems blinded in horror smash

A drink driver who missed the last courtesy bus and chose to get behind the wheel instead of walking home has shown his “regret” in court after the horror smash left him blind in one eye.

Jesse Kyle Jaunzems outside Wyong Local Court where he was sentenced for high range drink-driving after leaving his local club and crashing his car four times over the limit leaving him with horrific injuries including being blind in his left eye. Picture: NewsLocal

A drink driver said he downed “way too much” booze before missing the last courtesy bus and making an ill-fated decision to drive home before fracturing his skull – leaving him blind in one eye and partially blind in the other.

Jesse Kyle Jaunzems, of The Entrance, faced Wyong Local Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to high range drink-driving and negligent driving.

Court documents state the 32-year-old was driving a silver Hyundai hatchback shortly after 2.30am on October 13 on Minamurra Rd, Gorokan, about 80m south of Leslie Ave, when he lost control and collided with a power pole.

“As a result of the collision, the accused’s vehicle became wedged between the power pole and a tree,” police facts state.

Nearby residents who were alerted to the sound of the crash called paramedics and Jaunzems was taken to Gosford Hospital suffering serious facial injuries.

Jaunzems was taken to Gosford Hospital for treatment for facial injuries. File picture: Peter Clark

A blood sample taken at hospital returned an alcohol reading of 0.202.

“The accused did not provide any detailed account of the collision, stating he could not recall how it had occurred,” the facts state.

Jaunzems outside Wyong Local Court where he was sentenced for high range drink-driving. Picture: NewsLocal

Representing himself, Jaunzems told the court he went to a club for a drink with some friends but “drank way too much”.

“I missed the last courtesy bus and I didn’t have any money for a taxi,” Jaunzems said.

“I really regret my decision that night. I should have just walked home.”

Jaunzems told the court he suffered a fractured face, fractured eye socket and fractured skull in the collision, which left him blind in his left eye and his right eye was “not that great either”.

Magistrate Trevor Khan said Jaunzems was “four times over” the limit but had paid a heavy, personal toll.

He found the negligent driving offence proven but did not record a conviction.

“I’m satisfied this will never happen again,” Mr Khan said.

He convicted Jaunzems of high range drink-driving and fined him $1000.

Jaunzems was also disqualified for the minimum of six months and put on an interlock order for a further 24 months.

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