Paul Buddingh jailed for mid-range drink driving after crash on Mount Annan Drive

A 19-week pregnant woman was working in her dog grooming trailer when a drunk driver crashed into a parked car, causing her vehicle to “jackknife” into a tree. Find out why the magistrate said jail was the only option.

Mount Annan Dr & Bottlebrush St. Picture: Google Maps

A drunk driver who crashed into parked vehicles, including a trailer with a pregnant woman inside, has been jailed, with a magistrate saying there was no other option.

Paul Anthony Buddingh, 48, fronted Picton Local Court and pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving after he was charged by police earlier this year.

Court documents stated Buddingh was driving on Mount Annan Drive on December 19, while a 19-week pregnant woman was inside a parked trailer of her dog grooming business.

About 4.40pm, Buddingh veered and hit a car which “jackknifed” the woman’s vehicle into a tree.

He parked and ran into a neighbouring house before police arrived and found the victim sitting on the side of the road holding an ice pack to her face while experiencing stomach pains.

The neighbour informed officers Buddingh was inside his home, and when they spoke to him, he told police he had four beers.

A blood-alcohol test later revealed a reading of 0.147.

Picton Courthouse. Picture: Adelaide Lang

In court on Wednesday, lawyer Matthew McMartin said Buddingh had been diagnosed with an alcohol dependency disorder and sought treatment.

He also said Buddingh was remorseful for what happened and had already faced some consequences for his actions, including losing employment.

Mr McMartin asked the court to consider an intensive correction order with strict conditions.

In sentencing, Magistrate David Degnan blasted Buddingh for being one of the “thousands” of offenders who continue to place “innocent” members of the community at risk by drink driving.

“The community and, quite frankly, the courts are sick and tired of having people appear before the court for that offence,” he said.

“This is aggravated by the fact you had a collision and aggravated by the fact another person was injured.

“Fines are not doing it for the community. I have been on the bench for the past 13 years, and I don’t see any reduction in these types of offences.”

Mr Degnan acknowledged Buddingh had only been charged with one offence as the dog groomer was not seriously injured, but said the circumstances still had to be considered.

“I also have to recognise the harm done to the victim of the crime, who was 19 weeks pregnant,” he said.

“She was suffering stomach pains. She was nauseous. One could imagine the stress she encountered while she was conveyed to Campbelltown Hospital.”

Mr Degnan took into account the early plea of guilty but pointed out Buddingh had been charged with drink driving twice beforehand.

He convicted Buddingh of the charge and sentenced him to seven months in jail, with a non-parole period of five months.

“I will make you accountable, and I will also denounce your conduct,” Mr Degnan said.

“A state of full-time custody as an appropriate penalty may deter you finally from committing this offence yet again.”