Clint Edward Alexander in Taree court for high range drink drive at Old Bar

A man more than four times over the limit who crashed his ute into another car with his dog in the back and “could not put a sentence together” when police arrived has fronted court.

Taree police station and courthouse.

A man more than four times over the limit who crashed his ute into another car after a bender at the local tavern could face home detention.

Clint Edward Alexander crashed his ute, with his dog unrestrained in the back, into a parked car after leaving the Old Bar Tavern in the early hours of October 22 last year, according to court documents.

The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to high range drink driving and appeared in Taree Local Court for sentencing on Tuesday.

His lawyer Gus Farland told the court his client was not suitable for community service, with work situations potentially triggering his PTSD.

Magistrate Allison Hawkins asked why Alexander was able to continue to do all the things he enjoyed - like going to the gym, bushwalking or spending time at the beach with his girlfriend but could not complete community service work as part of his sentence.

Clint Alexander leaved Taree Local Court on Tuesday, March 13.

Ms Hawkins told the court the report before her in relation to his mental health was in reference to a work compensation claim and she urged Mr Farland to consult with his client further about the possibility of community service.

According to court documents Alexander had been at the Old Bar tavern drinking on the night of October 21 and left after a discussion with a staff member, returning in the early hours of the next morning.

He was asked to leave and a staff member called the police.

The Old Bar Tavern. Picture: Facebook

When they arrived Alexander had left in his ute with his large dog unrestrained in the back, but was found a short time later crashed into a parked car at the corner of Forrest Lane and Wyden Street.

According to police both cars were unlikely to be repaired and they both had to be towed from the scene.

He and his dog were uninjured.

When asked how much he’d had to drink, Alexander said “lots”.

According to police he was belligerent, staggering around and “could not put a sentence together”. When breath tested he blew 0.220.

After further consultation with Alexander, Mr Farland returned to court indicating his client would be able to perform community service work as part of a potential sentence.

Ms Hawkins adjourned the matter to also assess Alexander’s suitability for possible home detention.

He will be sentenced on May 7.