Todd Richard Baker sentenced to jail for drink driving in Taree court

A Mid-North Coast man who previously spent time in jail for drink driving has been caught for the 14th time after using a family member’s vehicle to flout the interlock on his.

Manning River Drive heading over Martin Bridge into Taree.

A man who previously spent time in jail for drink driving is back behind bars again after being caught for the 14th time – this time using a family member’s vehicle to flout the interlock on his car.

“I’m f--ked,” Todd Richard Baker from Rainbow Flat told police when they picked him up on Manning River Drive coming into Taree on the afternoon of August 21.

“I’ve been drinking. I’m supposed to have an interlock.”

The 54-year-old admitted to drinking five Woodstock Bourbon double strength cans between 11.30am and 2.30pm before using a family member’s vehicle as there was an interlock installed on his car for a prior offence.

Taree police station and courthouse.

Interlock devices require drivers to blow a zero blood alcohol reading before the car will start.

When tested, he blew 0.108 and cannabis was also detected in his system.

Baker pleaded guilty to mid range drink driving and appeared before Magistrate Brian van Zuylen in Taree Local Court on Monday.

His defence lawyer asked the magistrate to adjourn the matter so that Baker could secure a bed in residential rehabilitation facility to address his drinking problem.

“Why should I?” asked Mr van Zuylen, who told the court he counted 14 previous drink driving offences on Baker’s record.

Mr van Zuylen also noted Baker had previously spent time in custody for drink driving.

Instead of adjourning the matter, he sentenced Baker to nine months in jail with six months non-parole.

He will first be eligible for release on April 13 next year.

Got a news tip? Email: [e-mail]