Moruya Local Court: Oztag assistant coach Dean Rickard busted driving with .299 reading

An assistant Oztag coach with a history of drink driving has been busted driving with a staggering reading six times the limit on the NSW South Coast.

Oztag assistant coach Dean Rickard blew nearly six times the limit. Picture: Tom McGann

A South Coast assistant Oztag coach with a history of drink driving has been busted behind the wheel while nearly six times the legal limit, a court has heard.

Dean Rickards, 39, faced Moruya Local Court on Friday after being caught high range drink driving for a third time.

The Eurobodalla man pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stems from an incident in southern Eurobodalla on November 22, 2024.

Court documents reveal police pulled Rickards to the side of the road after noticing his “manner of driving” on the Friday evening.

Rickard admitted to having indulged in several alcoholic beverages before driving.

Dean Rickards was sentenced in Moruya Local Court.

A roadside breath test followed his admission, returning a staggering reading of .299 – nearly six times the legal limit.

Rickards was arrested and taken to Moruya Police Station, where a secondary test returned the same result.

His licence was immediately suspended and a court attendance notice was issued.

In court on Friday, Rickards’ lawyer, Adam Sumbak, submitted his client was making significant changes to his life since the offending, including taking on a role as an assistant coach with a local Oztag club.

Mr Sumbak also noted Rickards was actively participating in alcohol, drug and mental health counselling.

“He’s trying to deal with underlying issues and has taken steps since the offending,” he told the court.

However, Magistrate Doug Dick said Rickards’ criminal history made the situation “worse”, referencing a previous drink driving offence in which he blew .272.

Despite Mr Sumbak’s submissions, Mr Dick said the penalty needed to reflect the crime’s severity.

Rickards was convicted, handed a 12-month intensive correction order, and saw his licence disqualified for six months.

“This is a jail sentence that is served in the community,” Mr Dick explained.

Rickards was also ordered to continue to seek counselling and to complete 200 hours unpaid community service.

“Remember, every hour you’re working is better than being locked up,” Mr Dick said.

The court also ordered an interlock device be installed in Rickards’ vehicle upon his licence return.

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