Daniel Afonso: NPM managing director charged with drink driving

The managing director at a construction firm responsible for kitting out some of Sydney’s most exclusive office buildings has enlisted a top silk to fight a drink driving charge.

A prestigious construction business director has enlisted a prominent silk to fight allegations he drove while over the alcohol limit in southern Sydney.

Daniel Afonso, who lives at Kareela, faced Sutherland Local Court for a brief mention of his matter on Tuesday.

Documents tendered to court said Afonso was allegedly driving a white Toyota HiLux ute on General Holmes Dr at Kyeemagh on March 12 when he was stopped by police.

Afonso allegedly returned a positive roadside breath test before being taken to the police station where he blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.082 grams, the documents said.

He was subsequently charged with mid-range drink driving.

Businessman Daniel Afonso will defend a charge of mid-range drink driving in Sutherland Local Court. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

In court, Afonso was represented by barrister Simon Buchen SC who asked the case to be adjourned.

Mr Buchen indicated Afonso would enter pleas of not guilty and he on behalf of his client would make representations to police.

The respected silk has appeared in multiple high profile cases, including that of nightclub baron John Ibrahim’s partner Sarah Budge when she was charged and later acquitted of possessing a firearm.

Afonso founded the company NPM, which has offices across the country, and provides maintenance, design, project and construction services to commercial, industrial, government, public and private assets.

He is listed as the managing director on the company’s website, which also includes dozens of projects completed by the business at exclusive addresses in Sydney and Melbourne’s central business districts.

Daniel Afonso (middle) has hired top-tier barrister Simon Buchen SC (right) to defend a charge of mid-range drink driving. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

Afonso’s profile on the company website said he founded NPM in 2004, successfully building his building and construction business to a turnover of more than $60m annually and with over 150 staff and a contractor base of over 3000 nationally.

Afonso and three other men then started the company, NPM indigenous, which is a nationwide business specialising in project management, maintenance, design and construction services.

The company’s website says the founding members are “all experts in their respective fields and have combined their knowledge, experience and values to make a real difference towards an increased participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the construction sector”.

Afonso’s case will return to Sutherland Local Court on June 14.