Drunk driver of motorised Esky fined for high range drink driving on Argyle St Camden
DRUNK Esky driver James Wallace has had his licence suspended for six months after he was caught by police driving a motorised drink cooler down Camden’s main street with a BAC of 0.162.
Macarthur
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A PICTON magistrate today ruled the offence of driving a motorised Esky while drunk was “ridiculous,” “inappropriate” and too serious to ignore.
Elderslie resident James Wallace, 22, pleaded guilty to driving the motorised vehicle along Argyle St after drinking seven schooners, and was hit with a $1000 fine and a six month driving suspension.
Magistrate Michael Stoddart said he hoped the conviction would deter others from making the same mistake.
“Being affected by alcohol is not an excuse, and it’s my view it would be wrong to deal with this case without a conviction,” he said.
Wallace had driven the Esky among traffic and pedestrians on the main road at 20km/h, and even navigated a roundabout on Australia Day, a report tabled at Picton Local Court stated.
He was arrested at 7.30pm by Camden Highway Patrol — who just minutes earlier had arrested another man for drink driving. Police alleged Wallace has returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.162.
Wallace’s legal representative said the Elderslie resident had a clean record and had not realised the danger of his actions.
The defence argued that Wallace was remorseful, and had already received a form of punishment by having to turn down a job offer due to his driver’s licence being suspended, but magistrate Michael Stoddart said the offence needed to carry a conviction.
“This was at 7pm at night in the centre of town with lots of people around, you were putting yourself and the lives of others at risk and you ought to know better,” magistrate Stoddart said,
“You might have thought it was a bit of fun, but how did you think travelling on the road affected by alcohol was a good idea?
“A conviction is appropriate to deter people from copying such ridiculous and inappropriate behaviour.”
After he gets his licence back, Wallace’s car will also be fitted with a device to test blood alcohol levels.
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