Anthony Pavic: St Marys electrician sentenced for high range drink driving

A drunk electrician was eight times the legal limit when he crashed into a bus just after 12 noon in western Sydney. He later told police he had only drunk four glasses of wine.

A drunk electrician was eight times the legal blood alcohol limit when he crashed into a bus just after 12 noon in western Sydney last November.

Anthony Pavic, 40, of St Marys pleaded guilty to high range drink driving at Penrith Local Court today.

Anthony Pavic outside Penrith Local Court on March 7.

The court heard the drinking episode on November 13, 2021 was triggered by an unfortunate life event, with Pavic losing his job the day before.

Pavic’s lawyer revealed his client was a long-term alcoholic with mental health issues and had previously undertaken a driving program after a previous low range drink driving offence.

“Growing up he was reclusive. He goes to work, comes back and that’s it – so to lose his job was a shock which explains how bad his mental state and alcoholism was at that time,” his lawyer said.

“At a reading 0.419, most people would be knocked out.”

Magistrate Stephen Corry said after hearing Pavic’s blood alcohol reading: “It’s a miracle he’s alive.”

“Mr Pavic you pleaded guilty to driving with a high range prescribed concentration of alcohol (with a reading) of 0.419 which put you at risk of killing yourself because of the amount of alcohol in your system and then you got behind the wheel of a car,” he said.

“You didn’t drive far before you got to an intersection where you hit a bus. Luckily no one was injured.”

Court documents state Pavic told police after his arrest he had drunk four glasses of white wine at home, but was unable to elaborate on the size of the glasses or the type of wine.

The magistrate took into account Pavic’s loss of employment, mental health issues and his willingness to be rehabilitated.

“The community is better served if you address those issues, while time in custody may only exacerbate those issues,” he said.

Anthony Pavic was convicted of high range drink driving.

Pavic was convicted of high range drink driving and sentenced to an eight month intensive corrections order to be served in the community.

He must also perform 40 hours of community service work and abstain from alcohol and drugs.