James Anthony Boyce faces Taree court for repeat drink driving after boozy night out

The “glowing” references talking up a well-known Taree businessman penalised for repeat drink driving failed to address “the elephant in the room”, a court heard.

A Taree building certifier who caught a courtesy bus home after drinking at a club must have drunk an “extraordinary amount” to blow so high when he got behind the wheel the next day, a court heard.

James Anthony Boyce is “highly respected” within the building industry and in the rugby community, his lawyer told the court when he appeared in Taree Local Court for mid-range drink driving on Wednesday.

Magistrate Allison Hawkins told the court his many “glowing references” failed to address the “elephant in the room” – Boyce’s excessive use of alcohol.

The 62-year-old’s referees also seemed unaware he had a previous drink drive conviction in 2018, the court heard.

“You haven’t been honest with the people around you,” Ms Hawkins said.

James Anthony Boyce outside the court.

“You were given leniency last time, but this wasn’t enough for you to change your ways.”

Boyce, who runs a building certification business, went out for drinks with mates on the afternoon of May 17 to celebrate the life of a friend who recently lost their battle with cancer, the court heard.

Boyce caught the courtesy bus home about 10pm, but he hopped behind the wheel of his Honda Civic when he was called on by a family member to run an errand the next morning.

Boyce was stopped by police for a random breath test on Manning River Dr and blew 0.098. about 8am.

“It must have been a very big night – you are putting alcohol before community safety and it’s not the first time,” Ms Hawkins said.

“It’s the second time in five years and it’s time for you to own up to it.

“You must have drunk an extraordinary amount of alcohol.”

Taree Courthouse.

Boyce’s lawyer urged Ms Hawkins to consider reducing the length of Boyce’s mandatory driving disqualification.

The lawyer said Boyce operated a small business and that would be difficult without a licence because he travels to various remote locations.

Ms Hawkins said: “It’s inconvenient – but what’s more inconvenient is if somebody was injured or killed.”

Boyce was disqualified from driving for six months, fined $1200 and will have to use an alcohol interlock device for 12 months once he is allowed back on the road.