21-year-old Port Macquarie woman Alyssa Spinks convicted, disqualified, fined for mid-range PCA

A young Port Macquarie woman had three passengers in the car when she was pulled over by police. The Magistrate had some tough words for her as she was sentenced.

A young Port Macquarie woman has lost her licence and been given a harsh warning by a magistrate after she was caught driving over the limit just months after getting her unrestricted licence.

Alyssa Spinks, 21, pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving in Port Macquarie Local Court, where Magistrate Georgina Darcy then handed down her punishment.

Just after 2am on Saturday, April 2, Spinks’ Subaru Forester station wagon was pulled over by police on Pacific Dr for a random breath test.

The driver admitted to having four drinks earlier in the evening, but told police she hadn’t consumed any alcohol in the hour prior.

Spinks returned a positive test before being arrested and taken to Port Macquarie Police Station for a subsequent breath analysis.

The young driver blew 0.085, aligning with the police officers’ opinion that Spinks was moderately affected by alcohol.

Spinks’ defence, Shelley Watts, told the court her client had gained valuable insight from completing the Traffic Offender Intervention Program.

“She has realised she shouldn’t drink and drive at all, no matter how many drinks she has,” Ms Watts said.

The lawyer also told the magistrate that Spinks needs a licence to travel to her full-time work in a call centre, and that her father – who was also present in court – is only able to provide transport for her twice a week.

Spinks, supported by her father, appeared at Port Macquarie courthouse on Wednesday.

Ms Watts also referred to Spinks’ clear record, pointing out she hasn’t come before the court in the past.

However, Ms Darcy noted the young driver had only acquired her full licence just months prior to offending.

“Therefore you don’t have an extensive, clear traffic record to rely on,” the magistrate said.

Ms Darcy told Spinks that far too many young drivers are putting themselves in similar situations.

“These offences are all too prevalent in Port Macquarie, and indeed across NSW,” Ms Darcy said.

“As you would know from the Traffic Offender Intervention Program, driving while under the influence presents a risk to yourself and the wider community.”

Noting redeeming factors like Spinks’ prior good character, and aggravating factors including the passengers present at the time, Ms Darcy issued a conviction and fine of $600.

Spinks has been disqualified from driving for three months, backdated to the night of the offence, and will need to hold an interlock driver’s licence for 12 months thereafter.