Rebecca Hill-King sentenced for drink driving after crashing in Arncliffe

A Sydney mother drove from Matraville to Arncliffe while three times over the alcohol limit before colliding into three parked cars and flipping her own vehicle, causing more than $20,000 worth of damage.

Rebecca Jo Hill-King, 47, was sentenced in Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to driving with high range alcohol consumption and illicit drug and negligent driving. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

A gaming attendant crashed into three parked vehicles and flipped her own car when she drove home drunk, a court has heard.

Rebecca Jo Hill-King, 47, was sentenced in Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to driving with high range alcohol consumption and illicit drug and negligent driving.

Agreed facts tendered to court said Hill-King, who lives in Bexley, was driving on Knight St, Arncliffe on March 8 when she collided with three stationary cars and flipped her car onto its roof about 10.40pm.

Police attended the scene a short time later where they found Hill-King’s red Hyundai Getz on its side and three damaged vehicles with debris nearby.

Hill-King was located sitting in the gutter a short distance away and confirmed she was the driver.

Rebecca Hill-King was sentenced in Sutherland Local Court.

Officers noted Hill-King’s eyes were blood shot, she had slurred speech, had trouble obeying simple instructions and smelled of liquor.

She tested positive after a roadside breath test before she was taken to Kogarah police station and returned a reading of 0.152 and tested positive to cannabis in a drug swipe. Police immediately suspended her licence.

Hill-King told officers she had her first drink about 4pm and her last one at 10pm, consuming five alcoholic beverages in total.

The court heard the damage to the other vehicles was in excess of $21,000, which Hill-King had paid.

Hill-King’s lawyer said his client was remorseful, ashamed and embarrassed, adding she understood she put other road users at significant risk.

He said Hill-King consumed cannabis the night before due to insomnia but now had prescription for medicinal cannabis.

The court heard Hill-King worked as a gaming attendant doing shift work so she could care for her son who was neurodivergent.

She also was caring for her husband who had a major heart attack last year, which contributed to her mental health declining, for which she was now seeking help.

Magistrate Philip Stewart noted Hill-King’s driving history also did not assist her with 20 matters on her record and took into account the significant distance she drove that night.

He noted the good character references she provided to the court and her family’s personal circumstances, adding she had taken positive steps towards her rehabilitation.

Hill-King was convicted, sentenced to a 12-month community correction order where she must be of good behaviour, complete 60 hours of community service and was fined $2200.