Nicholas Reid: Central West tradie faces court for repeat drink driving offence

An irate magistrate has warned a Central West tradie busted repeat drink driving that “about half of adult men in prison are on driving matters”.

Nicholas George Reid, 25, faced Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to mid-range drink driving has learned his fate in court.

A Central West tradesman has been given a stern warning by a magistrate after committing his second drink driving offence

Nicholas George Reid, 25, faced Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to mid-range drink driving.

Reid was stopped for a random breath test on Carnoustie Dr in Dubbo about 10pm on March 23, court documents state.

He tested positive on a roadside breath test and was taken to Dubbo Police Station, where he recorded a secondary blood alcohol reading of 0.082.

Defence lawyer Rachel Waugh told the court Reid’s “traffic history does not assist him” because he committed a similar drink driving offence in 2019.

Speaking about the most recent offending, Ms Waugh said Reid had been “drinking with some friends” and did not drive a great distance.

Magistrate Debra Maher told the court: “It’s an incredibly selfish offence when you put your desire to drive above the safety of the community.”

Nicholas George Reid, 25, faced Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to mid-range drink driving has learned his fate in court.

“(When) you have one drink in my view – you shouldn’t drive.

“Don’t drink and drive – it’s not rocket science. You’re a slow learner.”

Ms Maher said to Reid “these are serious criminal offences where the potential for community harm is very great”.

“About half of adult men in prison are on driving matters, so don’t kid yourself,” she said.

“Ask yourself, as a 25-year-old young man, if that’s what you want. You have an alcohol problem.”

Ms Maher convicted Reid and sentenced him to a six-month licence disqualification. He will then have to use an alcohol interlock device for two years.