Bodalla farmer David Wheeler convicted for drink driving

A “hardworking” farmer race to get to work after a night of sinking beers and bourbon has brought him unstuck, busted drink driving for the fourth time.

David Wheeler leaving Moruya Local Court.

A farmer’s night on the beers has ended in shame, after the man downed ‘lots of’ drinks before speeding to work.

The incident saw David Wheeler, 36, appear before Moruya Local Court on Friday where he pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving.

Police documents tendered to the court reveal the Cadgee man was speeding along the Princes Hwy at Bergalia to work at a Bodalla farm on July 3 after spending a late night drinking “lots of Carlton Draught beers and Jim Beans.

Highway Patrol officers were sitting along Bergalia Link Rd, next to the highway, and watched as Wheeler sped past in his Holden Commodore at speeds of 123km/h in the 100km/h zone.

The speed caused the police to pull over Wheeler, who informed the officers he had drank alcohol until 2am the night before.

Batemans Bay Highway Patrol were sitting on Bergalia Link Rd when they watched David Wheeler speeding past in his Commodore.

Wheeler proceeded to blow .115, more than two times the legal limit, before his licence was suspended on the spot.

In court on Friday, Wheeler’s lawyer Wayne Boom said his client’s job required him to hold a licence.

“He’s a good, hardworking farmer,” he said. “He acknowledges it was a stupid decision and he hasn’t had a drip of alcohol since the offence.”

While Magistrate Doug Dick acknowledged Wheeler was a hard worker, he said the farmer’s history did not assist him.

“This is the fourth time you have been caught drink driving,” he said. “I should not have to keep explaining to people that you cannot drive a car when you have had a lot to drink.”

Mr Dick convicted Wheeler, fined him $1600, disqualified his licence for six months and ordered him to have an interlock device installed in his car when his licence returns.

Wheeler was also issued a speeding infringement when he was pulled over.

“I don’t want to see you in here again,” Mr Dick said.