Felicity Pilon: drink-driving nurse’s clean record warrants non-conviction

A Port Macquarie nurse, who was caught driving in the mid-range of intoxication, benefited from a clean criminal record in court this week.

A Port Macquarie nurse has been told her decision to drive after post-work drinks was a “serious error of judgement”.

Felicity Pilon, 46, pleaded guilty to driving with middle range PCA in Local Court on Wednesday.

Felicity Pilon (right) pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving on Wednesday.

Magistrate Georgina Darcy scolded the offender for her actions, saying she expected better from someone in the healthcare industry.

“You probably know better than me, from your employment, what the consequences can be from an (alcohol-related) motor vehicle accident,” Ms Darcy said.

It comes after Pilon was caught drink driving on Tuesday, May 31, by an RBT site on Lord Street.

At about 9.38pm, police signalled Pilon’s silver Mazda 3 to stop for testing.

It was there that officers observed the driver’s glazed eyes, police facts reveal.

Pilon told police she’d had two glasses of white wine at the Port Macquarie City Bowling Club, the first at 8.20pm and the second at 9pm.

Pilon appeared at Port Macquarie courthouse for her first criminal offence this week.

As outlined in the agreed facts, Pilon “appeared to be moderately affected” by alcohol in the opinion of police.

She blew 0.120 and her licence was suspended.

Pilon’s lawyer told the court his client’s fatigue from a heavy workload played a part in her decision-making that night.

“She was working up to 72 hours a week at one point,” Mr Hannaway said.

He told the magistrate that Pilon has stayed off the road since being suspended and, in this time, she’s travelled around the Mid North Coast for work and volunteering with the help of friends.

Pilon’s lack of criminal record, and minimal traffic record, were also shared with the magistrate.

Ms Darcy noted these factors, and said the short distance Pilon travelled while over the limit helped her case.

“You were well into the mid-range, but I note this is your first criminal offence,” Ms Darcy said of Pilon’s clean record.

“Your work – especially over the last two years – is not an excuse for your behaviour, but it does provide some background as to why you acted this way.”

Pilon walked free from court this week with no conviction and a two-year Conditional Release Order.