Thomas James Ritchie, 28: Convicted for high range drink driving

An intoxicated driver has learned his fate in court after reaching three times more than the legal limit while behind the wheel. Here’s the latest.

Thomas Ritchie, 28, sentenced for high range drink driving.

A central west man has been convicted for drink driving three times more than the legal limit.

Thomas James Ritchie, 28, appeared in Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday pleading guilty to high range drink driving in April after spending an evening drinking seven to eight schooners at the pub.

Documents tendered to the court state police were conducting random breath tests on Whylandra St in Dubbo where the offender failed to blow air in the machine as directed.

“Initially, police were not getting any response from the alcolizer,” the documents stated.

“Believing a possible fault with the alcolizer, police retrieved another device with the same result.”

Ritchie was warned that “failing to submit a breath test” would result in his arrest.

When Ritchie submitted to a breath test, he returned a positive result - reading 0.150.

Ritchie was “apologetic for stuffing around” and said he had between seven to eight schooners of full-strength beer from 5pm to 9.40pm that evening.

“Police noted a strong odour of intoxicating liquor emitting” from Ritchie while his eyes were “bloodshot and watery”.

“The accused’s balance appeared affected, with his speech slow and at times slurred - police formed the opinion that the accused was well affected by intoxicating liquor.”

Thomas Ritchie, 28, sentenced for high range drink driving.

Solicitor Rachel Waugh said her client has had no entry of high range drink driving since 2017.

Ms Waugh stated that Ritchie has been suffering from anxiety since the incident and has felt “nervous and overwhelmed by the situation”.

“His wife has health issues that require treatment outside of Dubbo,” she pleaded.

She stated that he shows “significant remorse” and is “unlikely to reoffend” as he is “active in the wider community”.

“He has a strong need for a licence,” she continued saying Ritchie requires a licence for his employment.

Magistrate Gary Wilson asked Ritchie if he has seen the advertisements on television, suggesting there are many alternatives to drink driving.

Dubbo courthouse. Picture: Ryan Young

“You were on the beers all evening, you knew you shouldn’t have been driving - knew you were over the limit,” Magistrate Wilson said.

“Call a taxi, there are plenty of them in Dubbo.

“You made a risk, you’re going to cop the result - you’re a very good person otherwise.”

Magistrate Wilson disqualified Ritchie from driving for six months, ordered an interlock for two years and required to pay a $900 fine.