Samuel Christopher Duck in Port Macquarie court for drink and negligent driving

A suspended L-plater was drink driving in a borrowed car with three passengers on board when he lost control and smashed into a parked car. See his excuse for getting behind the wheel.

Port Macquarie Court House.

A suspended L-plater was drink driving in a borrowed car with three passengers on board when he lost control and smashed into a parked car, it was heard in Port Macquarie Local Court.

Samuel Christopher Duck was charged with driving with a high range concentration of alcohol, negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm), drive motor vehicle while licence suspended - first offence; and possess a prohibited drug.

Magistrate G Darcy told the court it was simply good “fortune” that nobody was killed when the 21-year-old lost control and crossed to the wrong side of the road and crashed into a parked vehicle on August 9.

Police investigating the scene observed lengthy skid marks leading up to the point of impact with the parked car, she also told the court.

Samuel Christopher Duck at Port Macquarie Local court in November 2022.

The court heard Duck had wanted to go fishing at Wauchope and drove along the river for approximately ten kilometres before he lost control.

“The length of the journey is a relevant factor to consider. Ten kilometres is too far - even two kilometres is too far,” Ms Darcy said.

For driving with a high range concentration of alcohol Duck was convicted and sentenced to a two-year community correction order and directed to perform 100 hours of community service and disqualified from driving for two years.

Duck was convicted and fined $400 for negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm) and convicted and fined another $400 for driving a motor vehicle while his licence (learner licence) was suspended - first offence.

He was convicted for possessing a prohibited drug but no sentence imposed.