Nowra: Rodney Sims convicted after drunkenly driving to pick up pizzas

A kindhearted passer-by raised the alarm with police after he trying to help a man who drunkenly stumbled outside a pizza shop. Officers soon arrived before the man blew a shocking blood alcohol reading.

Rodney Sims leaving Nowra Local Court with no licence and a conviction.

A Nowra Hill man who fell over during a drunken pizza run has described his decision to get behind the wheel after downing two wines as “stupid and irresponsible”.

Rodney Sims, 65, fronted Nowra Local Court on Tuesday and he pleaded guilty to high range drink driving.

Police documents tendered to the court reveal how Sims gained the attention of bystanders when he fell over after picking up pizzas from the Kinghorne St Pizza Hut in Nowra on the evening of June 5.

He tripped and fell head first on the pavement when walking back to his car, prompting a bystander to rush to his assistance. However, upon arriving at the man, the passer-by immediately smelt the liquor in Sims breath and heard his slurred speech.

The bystander, who struggled to help Sims to his feet, asked him if he had driven and if he was going to drive again, to which Sims responded “yes”.

However, the bystander informed Sims he could not get back in his car and phoned the police.

Upon arriving, police asked Sims if he had been drinking, after they too smelt the liquor on his breath, heard his slurred speech and viewed his bloodshot eyes.

Rodney Sims was picking up an order from Pizza Hut in Nowra, when he fell over.

Sims revealed he had drank two 400ml glasses of wine before driving and had not eaten at all during the day. Police subjected him to a breath test, which returned a large reading of .166.

Sims was taken to the Nowra Police Station and had his licence disqualified on the spot.

In Nowra Local Court on Tuesday, Sims asked Magistrate Lisa Viney if he could keep his licence, noting he had a great traffic record.

Ms Viney conceded his record was good, with the matter at hand being the only notable mark, however, she said even with a great record, she had to uphold the law.

“This is a serious example of high range,” she said.

“It was in a built up, busy area and I would not be upholding the law if I didn’t punish you.”

Ms Viney asked Sims why he chose to drive after drinking the large amount of alcohol, given he had never done so before.

“There was no thinking, it was a lack of judgment,” he said.

“I made a very stupid and irresponsible decision and I am sorry.”

“You walked in without a criminal record or conviction, but unfortunately, you will be leaving with both today,” Ms Viney replied.

Sims was convicted, fined $1000, had his licence disqualified for six months and will need to install an interlock device into his vehicle for 24 months when his licence returns.