James Wallace charged with high-range drink-driving on a motorised Esky

JAMES Wallace will face court charged with high-range drink driving on Australia Day — only he never set foot inside a vehicle. SEE THE VIDEO

JAMES Wallace will face court charged with high-range drink driving on Australia Day — only he never set foot inside a vehicle.

Instead, the 21-year-old mounted his mate’s petrol-powered Esky and buzzed up and down busy Argyle St in Camden to the amusement of boozy crowds watching on and filming from pub verandas.

The fun ended when highway patrol officers stopped Mr Wallace around 7.30pm near a pedestrian crossing to the boos of Australia Day revellers.

James Wallace riding his motorised Esky. Picture: Facebook

He was travelling around 20km/h in a 50km/h zone but blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.162 — almost three times the legal limit.

Police assessed the Esky, deciding its construction met the classification for a motor vehicle and slapped him with the drink driving charge.

There are accompanying charges of driving and using and unregistered and uninsured vehicle, which he will have to answer in Picton Court on February 28.

James Wallace, pictured at his Elderslie home, has been charged with high-range drink-driving. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Mr Wallace was keen to discuss the matter at his Elderslie home but on advice from lawyers decided against it.

Bar staff at Camden Hotel were more appreciative of the contraption, taking joy rides and posting a video on social media which attracted almost 50,000 views.

Camden police said while it may appear to be a funny stunt to ride such motorised vehicles they were dangerous because they were too small to be seen by some motorists.